Canterbury Police have charged the driver of the Honda Odyssey which collided into the driver’s side of a Toyota Corolla at the stop-controlled intersection of Goulds Road and Leeston Road yesterday morning (23 February 2015). Witnesses report that the Honda didn’t stop at the junction.
Canterbury Police confirm that the 26 year old driver of the Honda has been summonsed to appear in Christchurch District Court on 27 February 2015 charged with careless use causing death.
The two men in the Honda, both from Germany, were uninjured. The driver and sole occupant of the Toyota was confirmed as deceased at the scene. Canterbury Police can confirm she was 54 year old Stephanie Anne Ellis from Leeston.
The death has been referred to the Coroner. Canterbury Police and Victim Support are working with Mrs Ellis’s family at this extremely distressing time.
A spokesperson from Mrs Ellis’s family says “To know that our much loved mother and close friend is not coming home is extremely upsetting. We understand that there is considerable public interest in the events that led to us losing our mother but ask that they and the media respect our request for privacy. We are all shell-shocked and supporting each other while we come to terms with the new reality we find ourselves in. There will be a private funeral for our mother’s family and friends and we ask that the media please do not attend or approach her mourners. We would like to thank Canterbury Police, the Fire Service and our friends and extended family for their help and support. We hope no other family has to go through what we are going through.”
Police investigations into the crash are continuing.
No further comment will be made by Police at this time.
ENDS
Issued by: Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District. Mobile: 021 942 404