Thursday, 17 September 2009 - 8:54am |
Central

Man charged with manslaughter following road crash

1 min read

An 18-year-old man from Bunnythorpe is facing a manslaughter charge after the death of his teenage friend in a road crash in Palmerston North in June.

The crash occurred late on Saturday, 6 June, on John F Kennedy Drive, Palmerston North when a Nissan car collided head-on with a Toyota Ute.

17-year-old Nathan Conlon from Feilding, who was the front seat passenger in the Nissan, died the following day from head injuries sustained in the crash. The 17-year-old female driver of the Toyota suffered a fractured wrist and a 20-year-old male passenger suffered a number of facial lacerations, some of which required stitches.

Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Sheridan said: "A detailed and robust investigation has been ongoing since the crash involving a degree of scientific analysis. We are at the point in that investigation that we have sufficient evidence to bring a charge of manslaughter and two charges of driving with excess blood alcohol causing injury, against the driver of the Nissan."

He will appear at Palmerston North District Court later today.

Media enquiries should be referred Communications Manager Kim Perks on 06 351 3546 or 027 234 8256.