![\"Clutha](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/4JU6TVJ_Screenshot_2026_01_26_at_5_35_59_PM_png.jpeg\")
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\nFriends and co-workers have named the victim as Jillian Clark, who worked at Clutha Vets in Milton.
\nPhoto: Screenshot \/ Google Maps\n<\/p>\n
Otago homicide detectives are continuing to investigate the death of a woman at a Clutha property, described by former workmates as a much-loved and highly-respected veterinarian.<\/p>\n
A man was also found critically injured at the property, near the settlement of Crichton, on Friday<\/a>.<\/p>\n Emergency services were called to Adams Flat Road at about 6.10pm after reports of a “serious incident”.<\/p>\n Friends and co-workers have named the woman as Jillian Clark, who worked at Clutha Vets in Milton.<\/p>\n No charges had yet been laid, but RNZ understood detectives were examining the possibility Clark died in an attempted murder-suicide.<\/p>\n John Smart said he worked with Clark for about 30 years at different branches of the veterinarian practice. He said Clark had a keen interest in sheep health and production.<\/p>\n “She was a highly respected vet, it’s a hell of a shock,” he said.<\/p>\n Another former colleague, Tony Smith, described Clark as an amazing person who was deeply connected to her local area.<\/p>\n “There are so many people that are grieving,” he said. “She was a very, very loved member of the staff and farming community. It’s just an absolute shock to think that she is actually no longer with us, it’s just mind-boggling really.”<\/p>\n The tight-knit Clutha Vets team would be heartbroken, as would farmers from Taieri to Milton, Smart said.<\/p>\n “I know the whole community down there will be absolutely in mourning for the tragedy of losing Jillian. She was just a great lady, a great community member, and supported the farmers in particular.”<\/p>\n A death notice published on Monday described Clark as a much-loved family member who was tragically taken.<\/p>\n Police said the man was still in a critical condition in hospital on Monday.<\/p>\n In an earlier statement, police said people in Crichton could expect to see an increased police presence in the area.<\/p>\n Where to get help:<\/p>\n Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason.<\/p>\n Lifeline<\/a>: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357 Depression Helpline<\/a>: 0800 111 757 (24\/7) or text 4202<\/p>\n Samaritans<\/a>: 0800 726 666 (24\/7)<\/p>\n Youthline<\/a>: 0800 376 633 (24\/7) or free text 234 (8am-12am), or email talk@youthline.co.nz|<\/p>\n What’s Up<\/a>: free counselling for 5 to 19 years old, online chat 11am-10.30pm 7 days\/week or free phone 0800 WHATSUP \/ 0800 9428 787 11am-11pm<\/p>\n Asian Family Services<\/a>: 0800 862 342 Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm or text 832 Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm. Languages spoken: Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi and English.<\/p>\n Rural Support Trust Helpline<\/a>: 0800 787 254 Rainbow Youth<\/a>: (09) 376 4155\\<\/p>\n
\nSuicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 \/ 0508 TAUTOKO (24\/7). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.<\/p>\n
\nHealthline: 0800 611 116<\/p>\n