Newlyweds' horror crash shocks US friends

Kirsten Steinke was critically injured and Kenneth Stithem killed six days after their wedding in Denver. Their car (above) was struck by a cement mixing truck near the Waitomo Caves. Photo / Waitomo News

Parents arrive from Colorado to support critically injured daughter in Waikato Hospital

Friends of the newlyweds in a tragic crash near Waitomo Caves will never forget the adoration and love in Kenneth Stithem's eyes as he watched his bride walk down the aisle.

Mr Stithem (who was also known as Kallan Stithem), 31, died in Thursday's crash when their car and a cement truck collided as they turned on to the main highway from Waitomo Caves Rd.

His wife, Kirsten Steinke, was last night still in a critical condition at Waikato Hospital awaiting surgery. A relative reported on a social networking site that Ms Steinke's injuries included a fractured skull, but she was not believed to have brain damage.

The couple were at the beginning of their two-week honeymoon in New Zealand.

Ms Steinke's parents, Geraldine and James, have flown from Colorado to be by their daughter's bedside. They met Mr Stithem's family in Los Angeles en route to New Zealand.

Friends and family in the US are in shock over the accident, which happened just six days after the Denver-based couple married.

A Facebook page has been set up to offer support and share information.

Wedding guest Irene Sisneros wrote that she would always remember the way Mr Stithem looked at his bride throughout the ceremony.

"There was nothing but complete and absolute love and adoration. I do believe that he will continue to look this way at his sweet Kirsten, only now he has angels by his side looking with him."

Another friend, Rachel Clement, said: "This is what keeps breaking me to pieces. He loved her so much, and she him."

Ms Steinke, aged 28, is a communications manager at the University of Colorado and has worked there for about five years.

Colleague Karina Colvin told the Weekend Herald staff were hoping for good news.

"Our hearts are crushed here. I just can't believe how tragic this whole situation is. I just saw Kirsten the day before she left the office to have her wedding and here we are ..."

Ms Colvin said the couple were "absolutely amazing".

Jason Medrano, who had been mates with Mr Stithem for 20 years, wrote that he would miss his childhood friend and the memories they shared. Mr Stithem worked as a property consultant.

Meanwhile, the public is calling for improvements to be carried out urgently at the intersection of SH3 and Waitomo Caves Rd, which has been the scene of two fatal crashes this year, both involving tourists.

The New Zealand Transport Agency plans to carry out more upgrades and is considering signage options to alert motorists and warn them of the intersection ahead.

Several readers have suggested signs saying "Crash Zone" be installed to warn tourists.