Police name Tauranga woman who died in Chapel St crash

Flowers left at the scene the day after the crash on Chapel St. Photo / George Novak

The woman who died in a crash in central Tauranga last week that sparked desperate rescue attempts has now been named.

Police have named the woman as Maree Annis Geary from Otūmoetai.

The 65-year-old had been inside a vehicle that crashed into Tauranga Harbour after a collision on Chapel St on Wednesday.

The vehicle began sinking. A second occupant managed to get out himself but despite about 20 people diving into the harbour to rescue Geary, she died at the scene.

A crane was used to retrieve the vehicle on Thursday.

Police said in a statement this afternoon they extended their condolences to her family and friends at this difficult time.

Inquiries into the incident are ongoing.