Police charge man with manslaughter over fatal Southland crash

A 20-year-old man has been charged with manslaughter over a Southland crash in February. Photo / Carson Bluck

By RNZ

A 20-year-old man has been charged with manslaughter over a single-vehicle crash in Southland earlier this year.

Jack Victor Hugh Stephens of Tahakopa died in the crash on Niagara-Tokanui Highway on February 15.

Police said they were alerted to the incident where a ute rolled between McManus Rd and Quarry Hills Fortification Rd at 8.35pm that day.

Despite the efforts of emergency services, Stephens, 20, died at the scene.

Two other occupants suffered serious to critical injuries.

At the time, the Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination and police established an investigation.

“Today, police charged a 20-year-old man in relation to the incident,” a spokesperson said.

The man was due to appear in Gore District Court on July 30.

Police said they were unable to comment further with the matter now before the courts.

– RNZ