Family's rage at drink-driver

A lawyer acting for Alison Downer has expressed her condolences. Photo / Herald on Sunday

This is the 70-year-old grandmother accused of drink-driving and killing a new dad.

The Herald on Sunday has learned Alison Downer, 70, was behind the wheel of the car that struck Frank van Kampen, 46, while he was cycling along State Highway 1 at Te Horo, between Otaki and Waikanae, last week .

A highly respected teacher at Waikanae's Kapanui School, van Kampen was in a bike lane when he was hit from behind. He died at the scene.

In a sad twist, van Kampen's death leaves his partner, Jude Pauwels, widowed for the second time in her life - and her 13-year-old son Dante without another father - after the death of her husband a few years ago.

The couple welcomed a new daughter 10 weeks ago.

The Herald on Sunday has also learned Downer had at least one grandchild who attended Kapanui School but it is not known if they were taught by van Kampen.

Police would not confirm the name of the woman involved because they were continuing an investigation to decide what charges would be laid.

Last night, a lawyer representing Downer said: "Alison and her family acknowledge the deep grief of those who knew and loved Mr van Kampen and extend their heartfelt condolences to them for this awful tragedy."

Barrister Sandy Baigent said she was unable to comment on Downer's involvement in the police investigation.

Downer's ex-husband, John Downer, said the family was finding it difficult. "It's just a tragic thing to happen."

Local residents say Downer tends to keep to herself.

"When she doesn't drink she is apparently a lovely woman ... I believe she has had a lot of serious troubles with alcohol in the past."

Another resident, who also wished to remain anonymous, said they were also aware of alcohol issues. "It's very sad because you wish she'd have got the help she needed, and I really feel for her family and for Frank's family," he said.

"She tends to keep away from most people; no one sees her very often."

Pauwels said she was still "too raw" to talk in depth about her partner's death but said her entire family was devastated. More than 1000 people attended his funeral on Friday.

She didn't know how her children would cope growing up with van Kampen.

"Our new baby, who is just 10 weeks old, will never know her father. I want this woman to know what she has done to our family and to know how we feel. I want to talk about it but it's too raw. I can't even think about it.

"I know talking about it will help in the future, even if it means one more person won't die because of stupid actions like hers. Look at what she's done to us."

Kapanui School principal Des Hedley said van Kampen was a "good person" and a highly respected member of staff.

His colleagues and students in years 7 and 8 were struggling to come to grips with his death.

"Some of the older students have had an opportunity to talk about Frank and are putting their words and pictures into a book to give to the family," said Hedley. "We are obviously shocked and saddened about what has happened but we are doing what we can to keep things as normal as possible in school.

"He was highly respected and a good person, very honest and caring with a good sense of fun. The children just warmed to him when he started in 2004."

Detective Johnny Oram of Levin police said they would make no further comment about the incident until their investigation was complete.