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Home / New Zealand

Te Aroha crash: Community reeling from double road death, amateur theatre mourns actor

By David Williams
NZ Herald·
29 Aug, 2023 12:34 AM3 mins to read

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A mum and her daughter came across a car crash just moments after it had claimed the lives of two of their family members.

Te Aroha man Peter Swallow was in a vehicle with his sister’s partner that collided with another on State Highway 26 on Saturday.

Te Aroha resident and friend Les Munro said the pair were travelling in a vehicle ahead of other family members when tragedy struck.

Munro said Swallow’s mother Karen Hendl and his sister Lisa Swallow arrived soon after the crash happened.

”You can imagine how horrible that was,” he said.

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The Te Aroha Dramatic Society is mourning the loss of amateur actor Peter Swallow, who died in a car crash over the weekend.
The Te Aroha Dramatic Society is mourning the loss of amateur actor Peter Swallow, who died in a car crash over the weekend.

”The people close to the family will be very shocked by what happened.”

Munro said he had directed Swallow, who he said was a “rascal”, in several plays as part of the Te Aroha Dramatic Society.

”He was a lovely guy who connected very well with people and was involved in everything he could.”

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Te Aroha Dramatic Society vice president John Watson told the Herald that Swallow had been involved with the society for quite a few years.

In a post on its Facebook page, Te Aroha Little Theatre said his last role on stage with them was in the play Remain in Light.

“We sadly advise Peter Swallow, who’s acted on our stage a number of times, was one of the two people killed in the car accident between Paeroa and Te Aroha on the weekend.

”Karen’s daughter’s partner was also killed.”

”Our thoughts go out to the family,” the post read.

A person who performed alongside Swallow said he had been great to have on stage.

“I will remember him as the Italian Captain in Allo Allo. So funny, so great to work with.”

Another remembers him as “brilliant” in the role.

Childhood friend James Brodie wrote the pair had known each other since they appeared in a production when they were at primary school.

“This one hurts. Peter and I have known each other since we were in single digits on the stage of Future Te Aroha and we’ve been very solid friends ever since.

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“Fly high Peter. The spotlight’s shining on you. Step right up and let the music play. Rest in Paradise.”

Police said the two-car crash happened at 3.53pm on Saturday.

The highway at Mangaiti was closed for more than four hours while the Serious Crash Unit investigated.

A Hato Hone St John spokesperson said two people from the other car were airlifted to Waikato Hospital with serious injuries.

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