Ivar Crowther and his father, Steven Crowther, died on November 20 after a crash between a truck and a car north of Timaru.
Ivar Crowther and his father, Steven Crowther, died on November 20 after a crash between a truck and a car north of Timaru.
A 5-year-old boy who died in a Timaru crash alongside his father has been remembered as someone whose “smile could brighten any room”.
Ivar Crowther and his father, Steven Crowther, died on November 20 after a crash between a truck and a car north of Timaru State Highway 1,near Brosnan Rd.
In a post on social media, Ivar’s mother Hana Kroon said her son brought “so much joy, laughter, and light” into the lives of others.
“Our hearts are broken in a way we never knew was possible, and we are still trying to understand how life can change so painfully and so quickly,” the post read.
“His smile could brighten any room, always the one to give the hugs, and his little spirit was full of kindness, curiosity and love.
Ivar’s death has led to an outpouring of support for his mother and her partner.
Kroon thanked the community for an outpouring of support in a social media post on Thursday.
“Your messages, visits, hugs, meals, donations and every small act of kindness have not gone unnoticed and has helped us hold up during the most painful time of our lives,” the post read.
“No words can fully express how much your support has meant, but please know that we are truly grateful.
“Your love has helped us keep going when everything feels impossible.
“Now I have to learn to navigate a life without my baby boy and it is going to be the hardest thing I will ever have to do.
“Thank you for honouring Ivar, for speaking his name, and for wrapping us in so much care.”
Ivar’s School, Sacred Heart, said in a recent newsletter that his death was a tragedy that had affected everyone in the community.
“Our thoughts and prayers remain fully with the Kroon and Crowther whānau in what is an impossibly sad situation.”
Ivar’s School, Sacred Heart, said in a recent newsletter that his death was a tragedy that had affected everyone in the community.
The Holy Family Timaru Catholic Parish priest Christopher Friel also paid tribute online, saying words were difficult to find when it entailed farewelling a “small boy of nearly 6 years”.
“Ivar’s funeral [on Thursday] drew a large congregation to support his mum Hana and family. The heavy morning rain was replaced by a very warm sunny afternoon to help dry the many tears.”
Police said they continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash and have asked any members of the public who saw it or has information to get in touch via 105, referencing file number 251120/2692.
Jazlyn Whales is a multimedia journalist based in the Christchurch newsroom.
