GLENORCHY Deputy Mayor Jim Manson has died from a heart attack after finding his Berriedale home burgled this morning.

Glenorchy CIB Detective Inspector David Plumpton said Ald Manson, 72, went to the ground floor of his house about 3.30am where he realised his home had been broken into.

"All evidence indicates the offenders had left prior to Mr Manson discovering the burglary," Insp Plumpton said.

"Detectives from the Glenorchy CIB are investigating the burglary and considering any connection, both direct and indirect, between that and the death of Mr Manson.

"While we are advised it was a failure of Mr Manson's heart that caused his death the obvious correlation between the shock and anxiety in discovering a burglary and subsequent heart failure is a significant focus of our investigation."

Ald Manson was first elected to the Glenorchy City Council since 1996, serving as deputy mayor since 2005.

Glenorchy Mayor Adriana Taylor said Ald Manson had made an enormous contribution to his local community.

Gentleman Jim Manson enjoyed a highly successful playing career with Glenorchy from 1957 to 1968. He was considered one of the fairest players to pull on the boots in a tough era of the game. He played 210 games for Glenorchy and represented the TFL. After his playing career came to an end he became a force in the local media (newspaper and tv). Jim Manson’s 25 years in the media made him one of the most recognisable names in football up until the early 1990’s.

A THEFT of $100 may have cost Glenorchy deputy mayor and sports legend "Gentleman" Jim Manson his life.
Ald Manson suffered heart failure after discovering his Berriedale home had been burgled yesterday.
Glenorchy CIB Inspector David Plumpton said Ald Manson, 72, had a pre-existing heart condition, but police would investigate any link that figured in his death.
"If there is anything we can do to prove a connection between them [the theft and the heart attack] that resulted in Mr Manson's death and a criminal responsibility for somebody, then they are in a lot of bother," Insp Plumpton said.
"While we are advised it was a failure of Mr Manson's heart that caused his death, the obvious correlation between the shock and anxiety in discovering a burglary and subsequent heart failure is a significant focus of our investigation."