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New Zealand

Tributes flow for cyclist Melissa Rays, who died in Mt Wellington crash

2 minutes to read
A look at the stark death toll on New Zealand roads over the years. Video / NZ Herald

A look at the stark death toll on New Zealand roads over the years. Video / NZ Herald

Miriam Burrell
By
Miriam Burrell

Multimedia Journalist - NZ Herald

Tributes are flowing for cyclist Melissa Desley Rays, who died in a crash in east Auckland.

Rays, 58, was critically injured on Marua Rd in Mt Wellington just before 8am on Monday and was rushed to hospital. She died later that day.

Police are continuing their investigation into the crash.

"Police extend their sympathies to her friends and family."

Rays was a Mt Wellington resident, police said.

Melissa Desley Rays, 58, of Mt Wellington died on Monday.
Melissa Desley Rays, 58, of Mt Wellington died on Monday.

Rays' friend Jackie Taylor-Fox said she lost her "beautiful best friend and soul sister in a tragic accident".

"I can't believe she has been taken but I know we truly loved each other so much and we always had the best times through the almost 40 years of our close friendship," Taylor-Fox said.

"And we had so much more to do together too."

Jackie Taylor-Fox with Melissa Rays in Queenstown. Photo / Supplied
Jackie Taylor-Fox with Melissa Rays in Queenstown. Photo / Supplied

Witnesses told the Herald police examined a white van that had broken glass and damage to the driver's side of the vehicle, and a person in the van spoke with officers.

The vehicle was reportedly towed from the scene.

Loved ones and fellow cyclists have paid respects and left floral tributes at the corner where Rays was found.

Roses and lilies have been laid next to a black bicycle helmet with the words "Tama with family" written on the top.

The serious crash unit carried out an examination on Monday morning. Photo / Michael Craig
The serious crash unit carried out an examination on Monday morning. Photo / Michael Craig

Staff at a nearby lunch bar feared the cyclist was one of their regulars because she always wore a pink helmet and would stop in every morning for a hot chocolate - a routine they said she has kept for at least six years.

The worker told the Herald the woman would normally arrive between 7.50am and 8.15am, always with a smile on her face.

Monday's crash was reported at 7.54am.

Other nearby workers said drivers travel "too fast" around the "tricky" corner where the crash occurred, and often travel into the flush median.

They said the crash was "very distressing".

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