Hawke’s Bay expressway fatal crash: A mother and family’s call for justice

A grieving mum is trying to piece together why her 31-year-old daughter was left dying on a Hawke’s Bay highway bridge after a crash flung her from the car she was in.

Three cars were involved in the crash that killed Napier woman Tyler Rea Tamatea on the State Highway 2, Ngāruroro River bridge on October 19.

But only the occupants of two of the cars remained at the scene. Police say they continue to investigate the crash.

Her mother Karen Tamatea says she and her family won’t stop looking for justice for her daughter and she’s urging anyone with information to come forward.

“Somebody out there knows who caused this accident,” Karen says.

“A simple ride turned into a nightmare.”

Tyler Rea Tamatea is being remembered for her radiant smile and vibrant personality.

Karen and Tyler’s father Russell Tamatea said Tyler’s death had left two young boys, aged 5 and 7, without a “bubbly and happy” mother.

“They are grieving and processing the death of their mother. The 7-year-old is very sentimental, the 5-year-old is temperamental,” Karen said.

“It’s not been easy.”

Russell said it was heartbreaking that the pair were now calling their mum their “angel”.

“I miss her way beyond this earth could offer.”

Tyler Rea Tamatea in a happy moment with her father, Russell Tamatea.

Tyler was known for her “infectious laughter” and friendly personality, Karen said.

“She had so many friends and always made people smile.”

Karen said on the Saturday afternoon of her death, October 19, Tyler was hanging out with a friend when they went to help someone who needed a jump-start for their car.

Karen can’t be sure what happened in the hours after that.

What she knows is that about 11.35pm the vehicle Tyler was in, a green Ford Falcon, collided with another car on the southern side of the Ngāruroro bridge.

The Falcon “spun 360 degrees” and Tyler, who was not wearing a seatbelt, flew out of the car, she said.

“She was found on the other side of the road,” Karen said.

Police at the time said the occupants from one of the three vehicles in the crash - which Karen says was a white Mazda - had fled the scene and it was believed they were picked up by another vehicle.

Karen said the driver of the Falcon that Tyler was in, who was also critically injured as a result of the crash, had told the authorities and Tyler’s family that he didn’t remember anything of what had happened.

Collage of Napier’s Tyler Rea Tamatea, who died after a fatal crash on October 19.

Tyler was transported to Wellington Hospital with a traumatic head injury and was put on life support for five days.

“Even though she was non-responsive, we stayed with her the whole time. We spoke to her, and her father sang to her,” Karen said.

“Maybe she could hear us.”

On October 25, after days of sitting by their daughter’s side, the family decided to let Tyler go.

“At 9.35am they removed the life support, and then three hours later she passed,” Karen said.

Russell (left) and Karen Tamatea (right) with Tyler Rea Tamatea.

Three months on, her family still wants justice, but it has been a slow process.

Police told Hawke’s Bay Today they were continuing to make inquiries but had yet to make arrests.

“We wish to thank the public for the information that has been provided to date in relation to this crash.”

Karen says she is trying to contribute to the investigation and piece together the events leading to the crash.

“We just want the person or the people that caused the accident to be penalised because they could do it again to someone else,” Karen said.

“We want justice for our girl’s death.”

If you have any information that could help, and you have not yet spoken to the police, please provide an update online or call 105, reference number 241020/5902.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.