Two 20-year-olds killed in Brynderwyn crash, tributes flow for young referee

Memphis Strachan, 20, died in the crash earlier this month. Photo / Wellington Rugby Referees

Police have named the two young people killed in a crash at Brynderwyn earlier this month, one of whom was an enthusiastic rugby referee.

Vicky-May Davies, 20, and Memphis Strachan, 20, died in the crash on State Highway 1, Brynderwyn, Northland, on October 17.

Police said inquiries into the crash are continuing.

The Wellington Rugby Referees Association has paid tribute to Strachan, who joined the organisation three years ago while he was a student at Mana College, in Porirua.

Association vice-president Mark Fairmaid said, “[He] immediately made an impact with his outgoing personality and keenness to learn.

“He quickly became a mainstay of our ARing panel - always available, always willing to assist with any game, anywhere.”

Strachan was remembered for his big smile, energy and enthusiasm, he said.

In the comments of the Wellington Rugby Referees Association tribute post, the MP for Mana, Labour’s Barbara Edmonds, said Strachan was a wonderful man.

“Although it was cheeky of us, I always enjoyed the sideline banter when really Memphis should have been manning the sideline,” she wrote.

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