Police can now release the name of the man who died following a crash near Alexandra early this morning.
He was 19-year-old Ravineel Avikash Sharma of Alexandra.
Mr Sharma was the front seat passenger in the vehicle which collided with a tree around midnight.
The driver, a 19-year-old Ranfurly man, remains in a critical condition in Dunedin Hospital, while the 19-year-old rear passenger received minor injuries and is recovering at home.
Their names will not be released at this stage.
The Police investigation into the crash is continuing, with examinations of the vehicle and scene, and interviews with witnesses underway.
Several members of the public have now come forward with information about the vehicle’s movements immediately prior to the crash
Police now have a clear picture of what occurred, and speed and alcohol are significant factors in the investigation.
“This was a completely preventable crash, which has sadly claimed the life of a young man” said Senior Sergeant Ian Kerrisk of Alexandra Police.
“We have a local family grieving the loss of their son and brother, and our community feeling the loss of one of our local boys from a well-known family", he said.
“The safety messages in our communities are very clear about the risks when alcohol, speed and young drivers are combined”, he said. “We can only hope that this tragedy helps reinforce the message about the need to keep ourselves our friends and our whanau safe.”
Anyone with any information which may assist the investigation, who have not yet contacted Police are asked to ring (03) 440 25000 extn 34400.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre