Police are now able to name the man killed in a vehicle crash in Te Kuiti on Monday night.
He was 22-year-old Phil Thom from Benneydale.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Mr Thom at this tragic time,” says Senior Sergeant Gillian Meadows of the Waikato Highway Patrol.
"While the crash is still subject to an ongoing investigation, our early enquiries indicate that Mr Thom was unfortunately not wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash.
“We know that wearing a seat belt can greatly reduce your chance of death or serious injury in a crash, and we encourage everyone on our roads to buckle up and keep safe”.
A Serious Crash Unit investigation into the crash is ongoing.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre