Ashburton, New Zealand — A community is in mourning after Victor Schikker, a respected father of three and veteran stock agent, suffered a fatal accident at Staveley Hall Society ice rink during a curling event last Friday. The 67-year-old, known for his significant contributions to local agriculture, organized the curling game as part of a social gathering.
Schikker tragically fell, striking his head on the ice and losing consciousness immediately; he did not regain consciousness. The incident underscores a troubling pattern of dangerous occurrences at ice rinks, as this marks the second such death in New Zealand in recent weeks.
According to his brother, Steve Schikker, the impact appeared to be nearly instantaneous. He emphasized the rarity of such accidents in a sport with a long history and numerous enthusiasts. “Thousands of curlers have been curling for hundreds of years… accidents happen and this is a very tragic accident,” Steve stated.
Victor Schikker was highly regarded in the region, having dedicated over 50 years to serving as a livestock representative and more recently as the president of the Ashburton A&P society. He is also remembered for his deep commitment to his family.
In their statement, Schikker’s children expressed profound appreciation for their father’s support over the years. “The support that he gave us throughout all our years so far, we could just never be more thankful,” they shared.
PGG Wrightson CEO Stephen Guerin, where Schikker was employed, described him as a “valued member” of their team, known for his “big heart” and “sharp-witted sense of humor.”
The series of accidents has prompted calls for increased safety measures at ice rinks. Just weeks prior to Schikker’s death, 13-year-old Kymani Mana Hetaraka also sustained a fatal head injury while ice skating at the Alpine Ice Sports Centre in Christchurch. Her family described her injury as “unsurvivable,” delineating the profound impact of the event as a “parent’s worst nightmare.”
Relatives of Kymani have since highlighted the devastation such incidents cause, underscoring the need for preventive strategies and better protective protocols in sports and recreational activities involving young participants.
The recent fatalities have led to increased scrutiny of safety practices at ice rinks across the country. Local authorities and rink owners may need to reassess current safety measures and consider upgrades to prevent future tragedies.
Victor Schikker’s death is now under the examination of the coroner to further investigate the specific circumstances of the accident. Meanwhile, both the community and his family hope that sharing their story will help prevent future loss and highlight the essential need for safety in all sporting events.