A former soldier who died in a crash near his old army base has been remembered as a “cheeky, funny and great mate” who gave a decade of service to the New Zealand Defence Force.
Emergency services were called to the two-vehicle crash on State Highway 1 near Burnham Military Camp, 30km south of Christchurch, shortly before 7.30am on Tuesday, April 14.
Keelan Breeze McCann, 30, died at the scene. Another person was taken to hospital with serious injuries and remains in a stable condition.
A long-time close friend, who served alongside McCann and asked not to be named, said the loss had been deeply felt, describing McCann as a devoted husband, loving father and loyal friend.
He said he felt fortunate to have watched his friend grow into a man many looked up to.
“If you ever needed help, Keelan would always have your back,” he said.
McCann joined the New Zealand Army in 2014, working as a heavy diesel mechanic.
He gave 10 years of service before continuing in a civilian role alongside the army.
His friend said McCann had a lifelong passion for working with his hands, which his family believed began during time spent in the shed with his grandfather.
“No matter where he lived, there were always a couple of project cars on the go,” he said.
“Sadly, he never got to finish his prized project, the Toyota Crown. The boys might have to do a bit of tinkering ourselves yet.”
McCann married his childhood sweetheart, Awhina, in 2021, and together they had two young daughters.
“Awhi was Keelan’s anchor, keeping him grounded and helping him grow into the man many of us looked up to,” his friend said.
“Together, they looked after so many of us, even while raising two young girls.
“Keelan absolutely adored his children and would have done anything for them.”
His friend said the sudden loss had come as a shock.
“While there has been deep grief, there has also been an incredible outpouring of love and support, not just from those who knew him, but from the wider community,” he said.
“The thought of losing someone we love is hard enough, and it is a reminder of how much people truly care.
“Keelan, although you were taken too soon, you lived a great life.
“You were blessed with amazing parents, a great brother, and an incredible partner by your side. To have brought two beautiful girls into this world is the blessing you leave us with.
“You will be remembered as a mate, a son, a brother, a husband and a loving father. We love you, brother.”
A Givealittle page set up to support the family of McCann also described him as a great friend, son, devoted husband and a loving father to his young daughters.
“He was someone who worked hard, looked after his family, and always had time for the people around him,” the page read.
Money raised from the page would go towards supporting McCann’s children with school and daycare expenses, day-to-day living, funeral costs and time away from work for his wife as the family grieved.
The page had raised more than $32,000 for the young family “now facing life without their husband and dad far too soon”.
Police thanked members of the public who stopped and rendered assistance to those involved in the crash.
“Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this time.”
Fire and Emergency New Zealand said three crews worked to free two people trapped in separate vehicles.
Hato Hone St John sent two ambulances, two operations managers, a rapid response vehicle and a helicopter.
Inquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.