A 22-year-old killed after the vehicle he was in crashed into a Marlborough river has been described as the “kind of person that would give you the shirt off his back”.
Today police released the name of the third young man killed in the crash on SH1, Tuamarina, at 1.45am Sunday 6 October.
He was 22-year-old Tyler Matekohi-Shields of Picton, Marlborough.
Matekohi-Shields was one of five occupants of the vehicle when it plunged into the Tuamarina River.
Brayden Allen and Jamie Cunningham, both 19 and both from Picton, were also killed.
The other two occupants of the vehicle were able to get out and make their way to safety.
Enquiries into the crash remain ongoing.
A statement from Matekohi-Shield’s family said there were “no words” to describe the pain of losing a child.
“We never thought we would be coming back to bury our son,” it read.
He was described as a “beloved” son, brother, uncle, nephew and grandson who had a “cheeky smile” and “beautiful dimples”.
“He was a great brother to his four siblings and an amazing son.
“He was the kind of person that would give you the shirt of his back and his last dollar.
“He was very picky with who he allowed in his life, those that got to be part of it were people he truly saw as special and not just a friend but family.
“He wore his heart on his sleeve, was kind and caring, he was very cheeky, had a beautiful smile and an infectious laugh.”
They said he loved being around his friends and family, enjoyed fishing, motorbike riding, and hunting.
“He may be gone, but he will never be forgotten,” the family said.
“Until we meet again, fly high our beautiful boy.
“We love you with all our hearts.”