Police release name of man who died after Waiohiki crash

A fencepost felled by the crash was used by passers-by to break the vehicle's window to assist. Photo / Paul Taylor

Police have released the name of a pensioner who died after his car crashed into a tree at the Napier Golf Course on Thursday morning.

He was Douglas John McBeath, 73, of Waiohiki.

First-on-the-scene citizen rescuers had to break into the car to try to save him.

Taradale man Mark Fenwick, who works in Hastings, came across the crash at Waiohiki moments after it happened about 9am.

The car was locked and the engine revving when Fenwick and others decided they'd have to break in to help.

Other parties also stopped to help.

An ambulance arrived, but despite the efforts of paramedics and those who had helped earlier, Mr McBeath later died at the scene.

Police said they still wanted to speak with anyone who was a direct witness, had seen the red Nissan in the moments beforehand, or who had assisted at the scene.

• Anyone with information that can assist with the investigation is urged to call police on 105, quoting file number 200514/6538.