NSW Police investigating final hours, death of Narrabeen man Brett Whittaker

The death of a man in Sydney’s Northern Beaches is being investigated by detectives who are appealing for information about the “larrikin’s” last movements.

Brett Whittaker, 54, was found unresponsive inside a home on Cove Ave, Manly, about 6.20am Thursday June 11.

While the death is not currently being treated as suspicious, police are seeking clarity over some of the circumstances leading up to him being discovered.

Detective Superintendent John Duncan said police were seeking answers for Brett’s family.

“The responsibility of preparing a report for the information of the NSW Coroner lies with my detectives, but we also want to find out what was happening in the lead-up to the discovery of Brett’s body,” he said.

“While there is no evidence at this time to indicate his death is suspicious, we want to know how did Brett get to be in that position and how long was he there before emergency personnel arrived.”

Superintendent Duncan said they have information that a number of people were with Brett in the unit the previous day, and that he was alive at 2.30am.

“But we want to know where he was and who he was with in the intervening hours until his body was found at 6.30am,” he said.

“We know there were calls from the location to other people, and it’s those people we hope can provide some clarity to how Brett came to be alone – and so unwell – at that time of the morning.”

Brett’s twin sister, Janine Colless, said she misses her brother, who was looking forward to being a grandfather.

“Brett was a Narrabeen boy, loved by many, and he was proud of his painting business,” Janine said.

“Brett would give you the shirt off his back to help anyone, but he was also a larrikin who would strap a coffin to the top of his much-loved van.

“He was really looking forward to being a poppy but, unfortunately, has just missed out. I hope someone out there will come forward and help police understand what happened.

Originally published as NSW Police investigating final hours, death of Narrabeen man Brett Whittaker