Coroner: ‘Trusting’ priest was likely a victim of financial abuse

WARNING: This article discusses suicide.

Fr Geoff Gray, 82, was found deceased at Akaroa near Christchurch on November 29 last year. He had been a priest for 52 years, but his mental health had deteriorated and financial pressures had increased.

Coroner Ian Telford said in findings released on May 19 there were indications the priest had been the victim of financial abuse.

“Towards the end of his life, Father Geoff’s mental health deteriorated markedly – a situation directly exacerbated by mounting financial pressures and other uncertainties,” the Coroner said.

“The evidence indicates that this largely arose due to the exploitation of his generous and trusting nature. Unfortunately, my jurisdiction does not extend to the further investigation and determination of this situation. Nevertheless, it is a matter of some concern, and begs the attention of all New Zealanders.

“Several people close to Father Geoff were becoming increasingly concerned that some indicators of financial abuse were present in his life. His bank had even taken the step of freezing his accounts, fearing he was being scammed. At the same time, those around Father Geoff were alert to the issues and doing everything they could to caution and support him. Nothing in these findings is intended as criticism and these situations are invariably challenging, particularly when supporting capable adults. In short, it is often difficult to know what to do for the best.

“However, Father Geoff’s case serves to illustrate the potentially devastating consequences that can flow in these circumstances. To that end, I urge anyone concerned that an older person may be experiencing any form of abuse to seek help.”

At least $40,000 was transferred overseas from Fr Gray between March and November 2024. Police inquiries following the priest’s death uncovered a briefcase with a large amount of documentation recording overseas financial transactions to several people in Bolivia and the United States.

The coroner stated that, “around the end of October 2024, a member of Father Geoff’s family contacted his diocesan bishop, Bishop [Michael] Gielen, with concerns that Father Geoff was ‘not himself’. Bishop Gielen promptly met with Father Geoff on 31 October 2024. Father Geoff said he wanted to bring his retirement forward to January 2025. Bishop Gielen encouraged him to retire immediately – a suggestion Father Geoff strongly rejected.

“Father Geoff also said he was involved in a ‘complicated financial situation with a friend in Bolivia’ who needed money for a car. Bishop Gielen asked Father Geoff whether he was being taken advantage of, to which Father Geoff firmly responded he was not, and that he was fully aware of whom he was giving the money to.

“Bishop Gielen offered to assist him with this financial stress, but Father Geoff said he would manage it himself. Father Geoff also said he wanted to retire in Christchurch as this was close to his family. Bishop Gielen confirmed there was a place available for him and arrangements were made so that he could start moving.”

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Canterbury priest may have been financial abuse victim – coroner (By Tim Brown/Radio New Zealand)