The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash on Ohakune Mountain Road, Tongariro National Park on Saturday 28 July is ongoing.
While the investigation is ongoing Police are unable to comment on the nature of the investigation or speculate on the circumstances surrounding the crash.
When the investigation is completed any update will be proactively released to media when it is appropriate.
ENDS
Statement on behalf of Matthew and Christina Francis, Joshua and Caleb Dukeson
Firstly we would like to thank everyone who has supported us over the last few weeks in regards to the loss of our beloved Hannah. It has been very heart-warming to know that we are in people’s thoughts and prayers.
We would also like to thank the Police and the investigating team working to understand the cause of the accident. We understand that this investigation will take time to complete and do not wish to comment further.
As has been reported in the media already, Hannah was a wonderful girl who is deeply missed by us all and will be our entire lives. She had a joy and presence in our home that we long to have back. We miss her at the dinner table and all the usual routines of our daily lives. But we see her in the daffodils at our front door, in the uniforms left on bedroom floors and the warm sunshine flooding into her bedroom on a sunny day. If there is one thing we would want you to remember about Hannah it would be that she loved life and she approached life with an exuberance that was infectious.
Both Matthew and Joshua were hurt in the accident and although they will recover they are still healing from the injuries they received and dealing with the trauma of the accident. Matthew broke his scapula and multiple ribs and Joshua broke his clavicle, has spinal fractures and a concussion.
On top of the unimaginable loss of Hannah this has been a very difficult time for our family. We ask that the media respect our privacy and our right to grieve and do not try to make contact with our family.
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Statement from Michelle, Shane and Charlotte Bruton
We would like to thank Police and the investigation team who are looking into the crash. We, my family and friends have no comment to make regarding the investigation.
The moment we found out that our darling Hannah had died our lives fell apart.
As Hannah’s mother my heart has literally broken, there is no feeling like this in the world to compare it to. We are taking baby steps each day to try to learn how to carry this grief with us. It will never ever go away, the loss of Hannah is very real.
This loss as we are beginning to realise is insurmountable. Hannah was the sunshine in every day. She was a special child who had the kindest heart and soul of anyone we have ever known. To have her taken from us in such a cruel way is becoming the reality we now have to live - to now have the rest of our lives ahead of us without Hannah there is just heart-breaking.
While we really appreciate the love and support we have received so far from the everyone, we also need time to grieve and come to terms with this loss as best as we can. We ask that we are allowed to grieve in peace and that the media respect our privacy.
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The family of Hannah have released two photos which media are welcome to use.
Photo 1: Hannah is pictured with her dad Matthew, step-mum Christina and step-brothers Joshua (left) and Caleb (right).
Photo 2: Hannah with mum Michelle.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
