“Jade is the heart and soul of our family: the witty one, the cheeky one, the one that can say anything and get away with it.
“She can call you out on your poor behaviour and pick you up when you are down. She lights up a room, holds a crowd’s attention and gets up to all sorts of hijinks.”
Jade Richards, 18, died after the vehicle she was in rolled on SH30 on New Year's Day.
Jade was “in her own words” a “nana” who loved the comforts of her home and her cats.
The statement also said Jade was excited to begin studying at Victoria University in Wellington in February.
“Jadey girl we love you so damn much. We are all so proud of you and all that you have achieved, you have your own unique style, you are gorgeous inside and out, loved and adored by us all.
“We are heartbroken and in total disbelief that this has happened and our family is forever broken with our favourite piece missing.”
Jade Richards was in a vehicle that rolled on SH30 between Curtis Rd and Okataina Rd. Photo / Andrew Warner
A funeral service for Jade will be held tomorrow at 2.30pm at Novotel Rotorua.
“Sadly one person died at the scene and the two others involved received minor injuries.”
A Hato Hone St John spokesperson said two ambulances, one helicopter, one rapid response unit and one operations manager responded to the scene of the crash.
The spokesperson said the ambulance had treated two patients in minor condition and was transporting patients to Rotorua Hospital.
