A floral tribute at the bus stop on St John’s Road, Meadowbank, where US student Kyle Whorrall was killed. His mother Carole Whorrall attended a memorial event nearby. NZ Herald photograph by Alex Burton
A floral tribute at the bus stop on St John’s Road, Meadowbank, where US student Kyle Whorrall was killed. His mother Carole Whorrall attended a memorial event nearby. NZ Herald photograph by Alex Burton
US student Kyle Whorrall, 33, died after being attacked while sitting in a bus stop in Meadowbank on April 19.
His mother is in New Zealand and a memorial service is being held this afternoon.
A 16-year-old boy has been charged with his murder and the police investigation is ongoing.
About 50 people have today packed into an Auckland restaurant near the site of a bus stop attack in which US student Kyle Whorrall was tragically killed.
The memorial event at the Meadow cafe included a silent auction, with gifts and services donated by local businesses to help raise funds for Whorrall’s family.
Whorrall’s mother, Carole Whorrall, Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson and Ōrākei Local Board chair Scott Milne were in attendance.
Whorrall, 33, was fatally attacked on St Johns Rd, Meadowbank, on Easter Weekend.
Nola read a message from Thomas, who said her brother’s love for nature blossomed shortly after he learnt to walk.
“He loved the outdoors, whether searching in plants, turning over rocks or sifting through soil. He was always on the lookout for some captivating bug.”
Carole Whorrall travelled to New Zealand from the United States and spoke to the Herald this week about how she wanted her son to be remembered.
About 40 people packed into Auckland cafe Meadow near the site of a bus stop attack in which US student Kyle Whorrall was tragically killed. Photo / Alex Burton
Kyle Whorrall was studying a doctorate at the University of Auckland.
“Kyle was a brilliant, gentle and deeply caring person whose love for the natural world shaped his life and inspired those around him,” she said in a written statement.
“He was passionate about his work and admired greatly by his colleagues and friends, of which he had many.
“He was dedicated to making a difference and about to embark on a brilliant career. He was deeply loved and admired by his family.”
Kyle Whorrall, originally from Los Angeles, was in the last stages of a PhD in entomology at the University of Auckland and was based at Landcare Research in St Johns.
Meadow owner Gina Henry speaking to Carole Whorrall. Photo / Alex Burton
Local body chair Scott Milne said there is a sense of shame in the community but he is proud about how the community has come together to honour Whorrall.
“I’m trying to find the silver linings in all of this awful situation.”
He hoped Whorrall’s family didn’t become strangers and felt able to return and reconnect with the community.
“Bitter, because we feel the loss and the tragedy that has occurred. But sweet because our community has really rallied beautifully together to support Kyle’s family and flatmates.”
Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson (right) and Ōrākei Local Board chair Scott Milne at a memorial near the site of a bus stop attack in which US student Kyle Whorrall was tragically killed. Photo / Alex Burton
Simpson said today was one of a number of things organised for Whorrall by the community.
“I think this community has shown resilience, positivity, warmth and wrapped its arms around all of those affected.”
The Ōrākei Local Board has arranged for another memorial service on Monday at St Johns Bush, where a pōhutukawa will be planted to honour Whorrall.
Meadow owner Gina Henry speaking to Carole Whorrall. Photo / Alex Burton
Meadow owner Gina Henry said there had been an outpouring of grief in the community.
“Everybody wanted to contribute, so this is their way of contributing.”
She said about 40 businesses gave services or goods for the auctions.
Gina Henry, owner of Meadow, hosted dozens of people for a silent auction in support of US student Kyle Whorrall was tragically killed. Photo / Alex Burton
His mother will fly home to California on Monday evening and said the family planned to hold his funeral there.
“There have been a number of memorials here in New Zealand by friends, colleagues and those who never knew him but wished to celebrate his life,” she said.
“We are deeply moved by the kindness and concern of everyone here in New Zealand.”
Carole Whorrall and her son Kyle Whorrall, who was killed in an attack at a bus stop in Meadowbank.
A family friend has set up a crowdfunding page to help the family cover the costs of their travel, the funeral and other expenses. So far, US$53,000 ($89,000) has been raised towards a goal of US$60,000.
“The circumstances of Kyle’s death have introduced unexpected and uniquely challenging obstacles to his family, who must now travel thousands of miles to deal with this horrible tragedy,” the organiser of the fundraiser said.
Last week, the family arranged for professional photos to be taken of Whorrall‘s bedroom in his St Johns flat as a memento.
Photographs showed a room crammed with plant life on every surface, a sprawling collection of stuffed animals, US National Park posters and natural artefacts. Display cases of insects filled one corner of the room.
Kyle Whorrall's bedroom at his flat in St Johns, Auckland. Photo / John Rata
Police investigation
A 16-year-old boy has been charged with Whorrall’s murder and aggravated robbery and a 32-year-old woman has been charged with being an accessory after the fact to murder.
Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin said there had been no further arrests or charges in the homicide investigation but search warrants had been executed in the past few days. Police were following “positive lines of inquiry”, he told the Herald.
Police had also found the occupants of a silver Mitsubishi Grandis they were seeking last week, saying that they could hold information about why Whorrall was killed.
