The family of a young Picton man killed in a triple-fatal crash in Marlborough over the weekend have remembered him as “fiercely loyal and loving to all who were fortunate enough to know him”.
Police have named two of the three young people who died after their car crashed into the Tuamarina River in the early hours of Sunday morning.
They were Brayden Allen, 19, and Jamie Cunningham, 19, both from Picton. It is understood the third victim is another young man from Picton.
A statement from Allen’s family, which was released by police on Tuesday, described their “overwhelming and unimaginable grief”.
Allen was the “cherished son” of Scott Allen and Erin Ellis and was “deeply loved” by stepdad Zane Ellis and stepmum Jocelyne Allen.
“He was the most fun-loving, out-of-this-world character who truly lived life to the fullest, and his loss is incomprehensible to us all,” the statement read.
“The love between a parent and a child is beyond measure, and Brayden filled his parents’ lives with joy, laughter, and endless love.
“The loss of a child is a pain no parent should ever bear, and the grief we feel is overwhelming and unimaginable. Brayden’s life was a light in all our lives, and that light will forever remain in our hearts.”
Allen’s bond with younger brother Ajani was “nothing short of extraordinary”, the statement continued.
“Their relationship was built on love, understanding, and a shared sense of adventure. It was the kind of brotherly love that could never be explained but always felt deeply by those around them. It was a bond so special and strong, the love they shared was unexplainable but undeniably powerful.
“Their closeness was a joy to witness, a reflection of Brayden’s huge heart and his devotion to those he loved.”
The family said: “Brayden’s departure leaves an irreplaceable void in our hearts, but we are so incredibly grateful for the joy he brought into our lives.”
Allen’s family requested donations be made to the Nelson/Marlborough rescue helicopter in lieu of flowers.
‘A really caring, loving person’ – father remembers daughter
Cunningham’s father Tony told Stuff he had received a call from his ex-partner about the crash to tell him his daughter was missing.
He was “heartbroken” when he heard the news.
“You just don’t believe it,” he said.
“I was just hoping that she wasn’t in there.”
He described his daughter, who had her 19th birthday last month, as an “amazing kid”.
“She was an amazing sportsperson, she just loved life and loved hunting and fishing, loved being with her friends,” he said.
“She was loved by a lot of people. She’s one of those people that are just a bit different than most. She was a really caring, loving person.”
Inquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.