Tributes for teen who died after fleeing police

The Independent Police Conduct Authority is deciding whether to investigate a police chase that came seconds before a teen driver was fatally injured when his car plunged over the edge of a bank near Tauranga on Friday.

Levi Green, 18, was spotted by police driving along Mountain Rd, Oropi, with a broken tail light. Officers signalled for him to pull over, but he sped off and within seconds disappeared over a bank.

He was thrown clear of the wreckage and died on the way to Tauranga Hospital.

The IPCA today confirmed it had been notified by police of the incident, and would assess the information to see whether it warranted a full investigation.

A decision was expected by mid-week.

Meanwhile, tributes have been pouring in for Mr Green, after his girlfriend Tahlia Mellor shared her grief on Facebook yesterday.

"Sitting here not even knowing what to write. It still doesn't feel real, it never does," she said.

"I love you for ever & ever. Forever in my heart you will be my darling. Rest easy Levi Green."

Friends posted more tributes to her page and under her post.

Penny Blamire said she was "so saddened by the news", while Charlotte Richmond said Mr Green was "gone way too soon".

Makayla Morris posted: "R.I.P levi green, feel blessed to of known you! you were taken from friends family and loved ones way too soon."

Bonnie Parker, who described Mr Green as her "first love", said she felt "so empty right now".

"Too young, i will always have a place in my heart for u an all our memories," she said.

"Rest easy, taken far too soon, one day we will meet again xo."

In another post she echoed the thoughts of Ms Mellor, saying the teen's death "doesn't feel real".

"Just soo many questions i wanna ask you" Ms Parker said, adding she was "feeling lost".

Her friend Clara Goodhew said: "I know how much he ment to you and everyone, its so heartbreaking to see everyone hurt."

Investigations into the cause of the crash were continuing, including a police inquiry into events leading to the crash.

Mr Green's death came just 10 hours after an Auckland family holidaying in the South Island was involved in a crash near Timaru, killing a young girl and injuring five others.

Three members of the girl's family remained in hospital today following the two car collision on State Highway 1, near St Andrews, but no condition updates would be released to the media.

"The family have requested privacy, and have instructed us not to give any status updates," a Canterbury District Health Board spokesman said.

However, it is understood that two members of the family are still in a critical condition and a third serious.

Two people from the second car were earlier discharged from Timaru Hospital.

Meanwhile, two survivors of a fatal road smash south of Auckland yesterday were in a stable condition.

Two women died following the crash on State Highway 22, near the intersection with Blackridge Rd, around 6.40am yesterday. One died at the scene, while another died during surgery at Middlemore Hospital.

Two men remain in hospital, and were both in a stable condition this morning. One is in intensive care at Middlemore, and the other was transferred to Auckland Hospital, Newstalk ZB reported.

Three Chinese nationals were in one car and had only recently arrived in New Zealand, police said.

Hours after the fatal crash, Rex Sheldon, 88, died from injuries he sustained after being hit by a light truck in his mobility scooter on Friday.

He was struck while crossing the intersection of Bush Rd and Gordon Rd in Mosgiel. He died yesterday in Dunedin Hospital.

The truck driver has been interviewed by police and two witnesses have also been spoken to.