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A 22-year-old has been identified as the woman who died after a car crash in West Auckland.
Lakota Byrne suffered critical injuries in a two-vehicle crash outside Waikumete Cemetery in Glen Eden just after 11pm on Monday. The crash happened at the intersection of Hepburn and Great North Rds.
Sheand two others were rushed to North Shore Hospital. However, Byrne died in the early hours of the next day. The other two victims suffered moderate injuries.
A family notice published in the Herald described the young woman, affectionately known as “Kody”, as a dearly loved daughter to Clay and Maria, darling big sister to Kea and Yanni and cherished granddaughter to her grandparents.
Emergency services responded to the Monday nigth crash in Glen Eden. Photo / Hayden Woodward
Parents are ‘heartbroken and devastated’
Lakota "Kody" Byrne, 22, pictured with her dad Clay Byrne. Photo / Givealittle
A Givealittle fundraising page has also been set up by an aunt. She described Byrne’s parents, siblings, family and friends as “heartbroken and devastated” at the loss.
The family revealed their daughter was “just minutes” from home when the crash happened.
“Lakota – a gorgeous, vibrant and beautiful 22-year-old young lady – was involved in a terrible car accident just minutes from home, on Monday night, by Waikumete Cemetery.
“Sadly, her injuries were not survivable and she passed away in hospital early hours Tuesday morning.”
Funds raised will help pay for funeral expenses, including her burial plot. Her aunt wrote that the fundraising effort is to help ease the stress and worry her parents are facing.
The Byrne family shared a message of thanks and gratitude to the Glen Eden Fire Brigade, police, Hato Hone St John, as well as doctors and nurses who worked to try to save Lakota.
“Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to [you].”
Byrne’s funeral service will be held at 3pm next Friday, February 27, at the Morrisons Funeral Home on Universal Drive, Henderson, West Auckland.
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