Police can now name the man who died when the van he was in crashed off the Mangatapu Bridge, Tauranga, on Monday evening.
24-year-old Gregory Mark Woledge from Tauranga was the driver of the Toyota van which collided with the Mitsubishi car on the bridge.
The police officer who helped rescue the passenger from the same van can now be named as Constable Deane O'Connor a member of the Strategic Traffic Unit at Western Bay of Plenty Police.
Constable O'Connor does not wish to speak publicly about his actions at this stage. He is a modest man and the enormity of Monday's events is not lost on him. He is taking some time to reflect on what occurred.
Police are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash and are still keen to hear from any witnesses who haven't yet spoken to the police.
Anyone with information about this crash is asked to contact Tauranga Police on 07 577 4300.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.