Cyclist widower says 'no blame' in wife's death

A cruise ship passenger was killed in an accident with a truck while on a cycling tour in Tauranga. PHOTO/FILE

The husband of a tourist killed in a central Tauranga crash has returned home to America.

Tourism Bay of Plenty chief executive Kristin Dunne said, in a written statement, the man returned home on Saturday.

His 71-year-old wife was killed last Tuesday after a collision involving her bicycle and a truck on the Dive Crescent motorway on-ramp.

The pair were passengers on the Celebrity Solstice and were on a cycle tour.

The husband was "understandably shocked" but "expressed gratitude at the level of support and care he received while in our city", she said.

"He was particularly concerned about others and wishes everyone involved to be reassured this was an accident and he felt no-one was to blame."

Ms Dunne said there had also been huge support for Freewheeling Tours and the staff who were "extremely shocked and saddened at what happened".

A Worksafe investigation into what happened was underway, she said.

"Every indication is that Freewheeling Tours followed their heath and safety procedures and this was a tragic accident," she said.

"As well as the victim's husband, our hearts and thoughts continue to be with the local tour guides, the driver and witnesses at the scene. This was a rare accident which has both rocked and rallied our community."