Wellington icon 'Blanket Man' dies in hospital

Published: 8:58PM Sunday January 15, 2012 Source: ONE News

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  • Wellington icon 'Blanket Man' dies in hospital  (Source: Facebook)
    Ben Hana aka 'Blanket Man' - Source: Facebook

Iconic Wellington street character Ben Hana - better known as Blanket Man - has died this afternoon.

Hana, a homeless man, who became a fixture on the streets of the inner city over the years, died of unknown causes in hospital aged 54.

A spokesperson for Wellington Hospital said he passed away just after 3.30pm.

They could not say what caused his death or how long he had been in hospital, however it is believed Hana had various health issues relating to alcohol and malnutrition.

Hana's moniker 'Blanket Man' was born of his usual attire, which was either a blanket or fabric fashioned into a lion cloth.

Hana's celebrity is such that he has Facebook, Twitter and Wikipedia pages dedicated to him.

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