Cruz McDonald, 8, who died in the truck crash with his father Aaron McDonald, loved everything about trucks and would often ride with his dad. PHOTO/SUPPLIED.
Cruz McDonald, 8, who died in the truck crash with his father Aaron McDonald, loved everything about trucks and would often ride with his dad. PHOTO/SUPPLIED.
The family of a man killed alongside his young son in a truck crash this week have spoken of their utter devastation at the double tragedy.
Aaron McDonald, 38, and his 8-year-old son Cruz were killed when the Weatherell Transport truck they were travelling in crashed through a barrier onState Highway 2, about 5km north of Norsewood in Hawkes Bay, landing in dense bush 20m below on Monday.
Cruz loved trucks so much he wanted to be a truck driver just like this father when he grew up, and would go to work with his dad when he could.
Mr McDonald's sister Theresa Richards said the family was heartbroken.
"It was just not expected, obviously to lose both him and his son together. We're just devastated. Honestly, words don't even cut it."
Mr McDonald grew up in Tauranga but moved to Gisborne about 10 years ago, where he met his wife Anah and had Cruz and young son Rome, 6.
Aaron McDonald who died in the truck crash with his eight-year-old son Cruz standing with wife Anah McDonald. PHOTO/SUPPLIED.
A group of 40 to 50 family and friends will travel to Gisborne today to farewell Mr McDonald and Cruz.
Mrs Richards said her brother was incredibly close with his family and friends, speaking to their parents once a week and younger sister Nerissa Keepa every day.
"Because he was trucking he would stop in and stay with her every week in Tauranga. Then he'd stay with friends in Auckland. He always stopped in and called in with everyone. He was that kind of guy. He was very, very loyal. Very kind-hearted."
Mrs Richards said her brother shared a special bond with his friends. Those friends joined family at his parent's Tauranga home yesterday and shared memories of their motorbike rides around New Zealand.
"He loved motorbikes. Trucks and motorbikes," Mrs Richards said.
"Cruz loved trucks too."
Mr McDonald's employer, Tim Greaves, who is also his brother-in-law, said Cruz's bedroom wall was covered in pictures of trucks.
"As soon as he got to the yard he was as happy as a sand boy, you know. Anything to do with trucks ... it was all he spoke about."
SCENE: The crane retrieving the Weatherell Transport truck which plummeted down the cliff killing Aaron and Cruz McDonald. PHOTO/WARREN BUCKLAND.
Mr Greaves said it wasn't unusual for Mr McDonald to take his son along with him in the truck.
"[He would] on the odd occasion, school holiday occasions. He was mad on them, yeah." Mr Greaves said the reality hadn't sunk in yet.
"Not really, it's a struggle. It's bad enough losing one but to lose two in one go, it's a bit rough."
Mr Greaves said Mr McDonald was an experienced driver, having driven trucks for about 15 years, and had just come off days off, so would have been feeling fresh and alert.
The police serious crash unit is investigating the cause of the crash and the deaths will be referred to the coroner.
The corner where the truck left the road has been described by road users as a serious black spot.
Tararua District Councillor and transport operator Ernie Christison said "without a doubt it is the worst section of road" in the district.
Mr Christison who drives trucks regularly along the state highway believes the New Zealand Transport Agency need to sort out the northern approach to the Manawatu River Bridge.
NZTA highway manager Ross I'Anson said a Manawatu Hill realignment project was underway and looked at the possibilty of improving the route, and the Manawatu River Bridge on SH2 was included in its long-term capital works programme.
