Man in fatal Manawatu crash named

Police have released the name of a young man who died while taking part in an organised off-road trail ride in Manawatu last week.

He was Samuel Stonnell, 25, of Palmerston North.

The accident happened at Waituna West, near Feilding, after 1pm on February 5.

Stonnell was said to be an experienced rider and was taking part in the event for a fundraiser for Waituna West School.

In a death notice, the young man's family paid tribute to "our beautiful boy'' who had left the world after a tragic accident.

Stonnell was the son of Anne Chapman and Rick Stonnell.

A funeral service for him will be held in Wellington tomorrow.