A Waiuku woman who died in a crash alongside her daughter and niece has left behind three children, including an eight-week-old baby.
The three died after their car left the road and landed in a creek on Masters Rd in Waiuku on Tuesday afternoon.
Police formally named the three on Thursday afternoon as Frances Mildred Latu‑Vailea, 35, her five-year-old daughter Oneahi Vailea and her seven-year-old niece Marly Tulua.
A Givealittle page said the “devastating accident” has left Latu-Vailea’s husband Amanaki “suddenly widowed and the sole caregiver to their three sons”.
The three children are aged eight weeks old, 2, and 12.
“We are raising funds to support both grieving families during this unthinkable time,” it said.
Local tells of desperate scramble to help, only to find the doors were buried too deep in the mud. (Source: 1News)
The crowdfunding page – set up to give Amanaki time to grieve “without the burden of immediate financial pressures” and to provide essential support as he navigates life as a sole caregiver – has so far raised $25,000 as of 10am.
The donations will also provide support for the family of Marly, who “are also mourning deeply while caring for their own young baby”, as well as the loss of Latu‑Vailea and Oneahi.
“No words can ease the pain, but your kindness and support can help lighten the heavy load these families are carrying right now.
“Any contribution, big or small, will make a difference.
“Thank you for your love and support during this time.”
Latu‑Vailea worked as a court registrar for the Family Court.
In a statement yesterday, Ministry of Justice chief executive Andrew Kibblewhite told 1News her colleagues “are all devastated at the sudden death of one of our Justice whānau”.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with her immediate and extended fāmili,” he said.
Kibblewhite said while Latu-Vailea was based primarily at the Pukekohe District Court, she also worked in many locations in Auckland, including North Shore, Manukau and Papakura.
“This tragedy will have a huge impact on many people.
“We are all thinking of Frances’ family, and our wider Auckland kaimahi, and offering our support during this very difficult time.”
‘Our thoughts remain with the families’ – police
Police formally named the trio killed in yesterday’s crash this afternoon.
“Our thoughts remain with the families of Sesi, Marly and Oneahi at this incredibly difficult time,” Counties Manukau South Area Commander Inspector Jared Pirret said.
“The family’s request for privacy is ongoing as they continue to grieve for their loved ones.”
Police and the family would like to acknowledge local police staff and members of the public who assisted at the crash site.