Friends of a New Zealander killed in a motorbike accident in Europe have raised close to NZD$30,000 to help pay for the funeral and make sure his family are able to attend.
Mark Hillman, 45, died on August 27 in Germany.
He is originally from Taranaki but has been living with his wife Lieke in the Netherlands.
“This is a message I deeply wish I wouldn’t have to write,” Lieke wrote in a statement on Facebook.
“My sweet husband Mark Hillman passed away after a motorcycling accident in Germany. Three days earlier we celebrated our marriage together with friends and family in The Netherlands.
“Mark touched many lives all across the world and will be greatly missed by everyone who loved him, and I know that is a great deal of people.
“Mark, thank you for being my home. I love you.”
His mother Joy also announced his death on social media, saying there was “no easy way” to share the news.
“We all loved him dearly … his sister Tania, brother-in-law Nathan and their children Elliotte and Mac … we’re all brokenhearted.”
A friend of the family, Freek van der Vies, has set up a GoFundMe page to help.
“Him being from New Zealand really complicates matters, mostly because they live in the Netherlands, where the funeral will be held,” he wrote.
“This will come with a cost, on top of those for a funeral. Besides this, we would like to give his relatives that live in New Zealand the opportunity to attend his funeral.
“The raised funds will be used for… getting Mark’s family to the Netherlands, getting Mark home to the Netherlands, any funeral expenses, any other costs that arise.
“Unfortunately we have no idea yet when the funeral will take place, we are planning to have it live-streamed for those that can not attend physically.
“Mark was one of the kindest and warmest people in this world, and I am sure everyone that knew him will never forget the light of his smile and the warmth he would always bring.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed consular officials had provided assistance to the family.