Crash victim 'just the sweetest little girl'

Emily Jane Hurley, 20, and the couple's unborn child, Jake, were farewelled by family and friends at the Wanganui Racecourse. Photo / Supplied

The grieving partner of a pregnant woman killed in a two-car collision last Saturday was among the mourners at her funeral in Whanganui yesterday, despite himself having been seriously injured in the accident.

Emily Jane Hurley, 20, and the couple's unborn child, Jake, were farewelled by family and friends at the Wanganui Racecourse.

After the funeral Ms Hurley and Jake were taken to the Aramoho Cemetery for interment.

Chaise Leslie, 24, and two friends were travelling with Ms Hurley when the car she was driving collided with a southbound ute driven by Albert Noel Burns, 47, also of Whanganui, on State Highway 3 near Kaitoke, south of the city, last Saturday morning.

Ms Hurley and Mr Burns were both killed in the collision.

Mr Leslie was trapped in the wreckage until fire crews were able to free him and the other two passengers.

He was airlifted to Palmerston North Hospital in a serious condition and spent Saturday afternoon in surgery.

Mr Leslie's grandmother, Elsie, told the Weekend Herald he was discharged from hospital on Wednesday and was among a large group of people who paid their respects to Ms Hurley.

"We've got him home," Mrs Leslie said. "He's in a wheelchair with both his legs broken and his head is pretty knocked about, but he's on the mend and very glad to be home with his mother and a group of friends."

Ms Hurley was eight months pregnant with Jake, the couple's second child, and the pair were about to buy their first home together. She and Mr Leslie owned Maggies Pies in Cross St, Castlecliff.

"He has his ups and downs, which is understandable," Mrs Leslie said. "It's all still sinking in for him."

Since the tragedy, Ms Hurley's friends and family have posted numerous tributes on social media.

One said she could not believe Ms Hurley was gone: "Gone too young. Still can't believe it is real."

Taylor Rhodes wrote: "You were so beautiful inside and out, it's scary how things can just change in seconds. Rest easy, Emily and Baby Jake xxx"

A former teacher remembered Ms Hurley as "just the sweetest little girl".

Earlier reports said Ms Hurley was the designated sober driver of a car returning from Palmerston North.

- Additional reporting: Wanganui Chronicle