The family of a Kiwi woman killed outside a shopping mall in Southern California have said “no words can express our sadness”.
Patricia McKay, 68, was killed after being struck by a vehicle after a robbery at the Fashion Island Mall in Newport Beach yesterday.
In a statement this morning, McKay’s family said: “No words can express our sadness as we try to come to terms with the loss of our mother, wife, and friend Patricia.”
Trish McKay, 68, was struck by a vehicle during a robbery at the Fashion Island Mall in Newport Beach.
Her husband Doug was previously chairman of BNZ and chief executive at Auckland Council.
Auckland’s deputy mayor Desley Simpson said they were “devastated” at the news.
“Trish was amazing, funny, loyal and loving, and this is such a terrible loss and a shock. Our deepest sympathies go out to Doug and her family.”
BNZ chief executive Dan Huggins expressed similar sentiments.
“Doug and Trish have been a big part of the BNZ family and have made an exceptional contribution to both BNZ and to New Zealand. Our thoughts at this time go out to both Trish’s family, to Doug and the McKay family, and we are doing all that we can to support them at this time.”
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said his thoughts are “with the McKay family after the devastating loss of Trish”.
“They’re great people and my heart goes out to Doug, their family and all those who knew Trish.”
The fatal incident occurred after two men had attempted to rob McKay.
She was fatally struck by a white sedan driven by a third suspect.
The three men were taken to the NBPD jail yesterday and were charged with homicide, robbery with a firearm and conspiracy.
The suspects have been identified as 26-year-old Compton man Leroyernest Joseph McCrary, 18-year-old Lancaster man Jaden Cunningham, and 19-year-old Los Angeles man Malachi Eddward Darnell.
A Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) spokesperson said this morning: “New Zealand consular officials are providing assistance to the family of a New Zealander killed at Newport Beach.
“For privacy reasons, no further information will be provided.”
Newport Beach Mayor Will O’Neill said yesterday he was “horrified” by the incident.
“I’m mourning the loss of someone who died inside of our city because of crime … This is a tragedy and I’m furious.”
“My condolences to Patricia McKay and her family,” he said today.
