Canterbury Police can now name the victim of the fatal single vehicle crash on SH1 near Greta Valley yesterday (7 February 2015). She was 61 year old Liora KEREN from Israel. Mrs KEREN, who was a rear seat passenger, was wearing a safety belt at the time of the crash. She was on holiday in New Zealand, travelling with her husband and four friends. Everyone on the trip was from Israel.
A female rear seat passenger is in a critical condition in Christchurch Hospital ICU. The driver, a 69 year old man, and the male front seat passenger and male and female rear seat passengers are all described as being in a comfortable condition in Christchurch Hospital.
The death has been referred to the Coroner. Mrs KEREN’s husband and travelling companions are extremely upset and Canterbury Police and Victim Support are working with them at this extremely distressing and tragic time.
A spokesperson on behalf of the Mrs KEREN’s family and holiday companions have provided the following statement:
We are still coming to terms with the sudden loss of Liora. She was much loved by her family and a cherished friend to those who knew her. We ask that the media in New Zealand and Israel respect our request for privacy while we come to terms with our loss away from our home, our own families and friends. We made many happy memories during our short time in New Zealand and would like to thank Canterbury Police, the NZ Fire Service and the paramedics from St John and Westpac for their help and support.
Police investigations into the crash are continuing.
No further information will be released today (8 February 2015).
ENDS
Issued by: Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District. Mobile: 021 942 404