Canterbury Police can confirm there has been one fatality following a crash which threw all of the six occupants from the vehicle they were travelling in on the Hakataramea Valley Road at the weekend (9/10 May 2015).
He was 23 year Jarrad Ethan Blackler from Waitaki. Jarrad was flown to Dunedin Hospital in a critical condition and never regained consciousness.
The death has been referred to the Coroner. Canterbury Police are supporting Jarrad’s family who are understandably devastated following their tragic loss. The services of Victim Support have been offered to them.
Jarrad was travelling with a group of Kurow RFC team mates and supporters to visit friends at the time of the crash. Canterbury Police and the Kurow community are supporting those that have been and continue to be affected by this incident.
The 39 year old male driver is in a serious but stable condition in Dunedin Hospital. The 25 year old male passenger is in a critical condition in Christchurch Hospital. The 22 year old female and 22 year old male passengers are being treated for moderate injuries in Christchurch Hospital and Timaru Hospital respectively. The 38 year old male passenger has been discharged from hospital and is recovering at home.
Canterbury Police investigations into the crash are continuing.
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A spokesperson from Kurow RFC has provided the following statement:
Jarrad was the ultimate rugby player and embodied what it means to be part of a team. He always did everything with a smile on his face and big bright eyes. Jarrad wanted nothing more than for the team to enjoy themselves and to deliver the 2015 team plan. To say he will be missed is a massive understatement. Words cannot express how the team and our supporters are feeling. We want his family to know Kurow RFC and Jarrad’s teammates will give them all the hugs and support they need. Jarrad will never be forgotten and his family will always be part of our team.
A spokesperson from Jarrad’s family has provided the following statement and attached photograph:
Jarrad loved the hills. He was a shepherd at Haldon Station for five years after leaving Waitaki Boys High School and had returned to the family farm in November last year (2014). His mum and dad were loving having Jarrad home and they had made many plans for the future. Among his other interests were, of course, rugby, jet boating and playing guitar. He was self taught and with a bit of encouragement would entertain his family and friends. We loved nothing more than when Jarrad joined his brothers and sister for a jam session. We would like to thank all those involved with Jarrad’s care both at the scene and in hospital and the ongoing support from family, friends and team mates. Our thoughts are also with the other people involved in the crash and their families. His family and friends are going to farewell Jarrad on Saturday and we ask that the media respect our privacy and do not attend.
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Canterbury Police will provide an update later this week as the investigation into the crash progresses.
Media Note: Kurow RFC have requested no media attend any of their training sessions or club functions at this time.
ENDS
Issued by: Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District. Mobile: 021 942 404
