Daniel Tiplady. Photo / Supplied
A Kiwi backpacker who spent a week in a coma after being hit by a bus in London died in hospital early yesterday morning.
Daniel Tiplady, 24, was struck by the bus outside the Metro Police Station in Shepherds Bush, West London, after spending the day with friends at the
Oxford-Cambridge boat race on the River Thames in the city last Saturday.
Tiplady's parents, Maureen and Kevin, flew to London to be by his bedside shortly after the accident.
Family and friends say they are devastated by the accident which has shocked Tiplady's home town of Timaru.
Tiplady spent some time travelling through Europe before settling in London and starting work. Friends say he loved travelling, motorsport and snowboarding and as a teenager was a keen soccer and softball player.
A family spokeswoman described Tiplady, nicknamed "Tanner", as adventurous and fun-loving.
"We are so glad he was able to fulfil some of his dreams of travelling and experiencing the world."
His employer posted a message on a group Facebook tribute which describes Tiplady as "one of the best apprentices" he had employed.
"You became an exceptional tradesman but above that you were a great guy."
The family spokeswoman said friends and family remembered Tiplady's "wonderful beaming smile. It was contagious - it rubbed off on people and made everyone around him happy.
"He was passionate about family and loved being a part of ours. He had close bonds with everyone in it.
"Daniel's easy-going personality meant he just attracted people, so he made loads of friends wherever he went."
Friends also established the Facebook group "Prayers are with Daniel Tiplady and his family" and in the week after the accident over 250 people joined and sent messages of support.
John Hogue, principal of Tiplady's former school Roncalli College, said the entire community would be feeling the impact.
Candles had been lit at the college chapel in memory of the former student.
