Grieving dad thanks Kiwis for help after crash claims wife, daughter

Janine Baer. Photo / Supplied via Facebook

A German man seriously injured in a crash that claimed the life of his wife and daughter has spoken for the first time about the tragedy.

On February 4, Romy Reinhardt-Baer, 48, died when the vehicle she was a passenger in crashed on Leigh Rd near Matakana. Daughter Janine, 19, was driving and died the next day.

Mrs Reinhardt-Baer's husband, Andreas Baer, was the only survivor. He was rushed to Auckland City Hospital in a serious condition.

The couple were in New Zealand visiting Miss Baer, who had been living and working north of Auckland as an au pair for Jodene Mildon and her 14-month-old daughter, Lacey.

Mr Baer said he was "completely and absolutely devastated" by the death of his wife and daughter. He contacted the Herald through a friend from his hospital bed, with a message for those who had helped and supported him since the crash.

"I would like to sincerely thank everyone for the condolences on the tragic death of my wife Romy and my daughter Janine," he wrote.

"A lot of people from New Zealand and other parts of the world supported me in this difficult time and came to visit. Thank you very much, everyone.

"I would like to especially thank Rhondda Paice and all the staff at Auckland City Hospital. Furthermore, a special thanks to Tanya Burrage and Julia Fischer from Dream Au Pair as well as Johannes Berweiler and Lisa Powlesland and Martin Haward who kindly accommodated my brother during his short stay.

"Last but not least I would also like to thank Jodene Mildon."

On the day of the crash, Miss Baer had been out showing her parents the "wonderful small town" of Matakana, which she called home in New Zealand.

A Givealittle page set up to help Mr Baer has raised more than $6100.