A 13-year-old girl has died in Wellington Hospital after a car crash in Te Hauke this month.
Jennifer Algie, a Havelock North Intermediate pupil, died on Saturday.
Principal John Schollum said Jennifer, in Year 8, was a honours pupil.
"She was a popular and well-liked girl, both by students and staff, and gave
100 per cent to everything. She will be sorely missed."
Mr Schollum said Jennifer was a top all-round pupil who played the flute, and performed well academically and in sport.
On October 4, emergency services were called to a three-car crash on SH2, near the intersection with Horonui Road. Police believed one car, travelling north to Hastings, drifted across the centreline, scraping the side of a southbound vehicle.
The third car, also travelling south, then became involved in the collision.
Firefighters had to remove the doors of the three cars to free the victims. Jennifer and her grandmother, 69, were serious injured and taken to Hawke's Bay Hospital by ambulance.
Jennifer was later flown to Wellington Hospital by rescue helicopter. Her grandmother is still recovering. The female drivers of the other two cars were taken to hospital with moderate injuries.
Senior Sergeant Greg Brown said police were still investigating the cause but were aware of strong winds at the time of the crash, that could have blown the car across the road.
Police wanted to hear from anyone using the road at the time of the accident and who could outline the road conditions. Anyone with information should contact Hastings police on 873 0500.
Jennifer's funeral will be held on Saturday at St Columba's Church, in Havelock North, at 11am.
