A cyclist injured in a collision with a car in Christchurch last month has died in hospital.
He was multi-sport athlete and aeronautical engineer Dr Ian Huntsman.
Huntsman was injured while riding his bike on February 22 on
Christchurch multisport athlete Ian Huntsman dies after collision with car
NZ Herald
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People have sent condolences online to Huntsman’s partner Wendy Riach, a former Christchurch detective, and father Allan.
“Ian was an amazing guy and will be missed by many,” said one friend.
Another said they were “heartbroken” and “in shock”.
“Words cannot express our deepest sympathies and sorrow. Ian was the nicest and kindest-hearted person we’ve gotten to know. To say that he will be missed is an understatement,” they said.
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“We hope that you find strength and comfort knowing that he was loved by many and will be missed, but never forgotten, as he continues his journey.”
One friend described Huntsman as a “great team mate and fierce competitor”, and another said he was “a champion man” and “a powerhouse”.
Others spoke of him as a respected friend and “amazing outdoor enthusiast”.
“His passion for staying active and seeking adventure was truly inspiring,” said one person.
“While I’m sure he would have loved more time doing the things he loved, I hope there is some peace in all that he achieved, the many people he reached, and the amazing impact he had on those around him.”
Another tribute read: “Privileged to have time with this special, gentle and generous man training and racing. Remembering those precious times. He was a big man, now leaving a big gap in our lives.”
The Down River Kayak Club also posted a message about Huntman’s death.
“It is with the deepest sadness and much love that we share the passing of Ian Huntsman yesterday, following a recent accident,” it read.
“Ian was a founding member of DRKC, a former President, and our very first life member — but more than any title, he was part of the heart of our club.
“He leaves an incredible legacy. While Ian achieved many accolades throughout his years as an adventurer, athlete and paddler, he remained wonderfully down-to-earth. Ian was always generous with his time, happy to share his knowledge, offer encouragement, or quietly guide others along their journey.
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“So many of us have been shaped by his wisdom, his humility, and his steady presence. The club we are today is in no small part because of him.
“Ian will be sorely missed by many and remembered always, with deep respect and love.”
In 2021, Huntsman survived a terrifying ordeal after falling on Aoraki Mt Cook.
Four days into an 18-day traverse through the alps, a falling boulder struck Huntsman and sent him hurtling 100m downhill.
He told Newshub that he landed headfirst down a steep rockface in a stream.
Riach was with him and had manoeuvred down the tricky terrain to bring him to safety.
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She managed to get Huntsman to a ledge and tied him to the mountain edge to stop him from falling off.
Huntsman had multiple breaks to his arm and a broken nose, as well as a badly cut leg.
The couple set off their emergency beacon, and then Riach spent the night treating Huntsman’s injuries and trying to prevent hypothermia while they waited to be rescued.
“They were amazing, I’m very thankful, I’ll be going to see them to thank them as soon as I can, they saved my life,” Huntsman told Newshub in an interview from his hospital bed.