Triple-fatal motorcycle crash near Taihape: Survivor Tautini ‘Jeremy’ Capper fighting for his life in hospital

The motorcyclist fighting for his life in hospital after a crash that killed three of his mates has been identified as Tautini “Jeremy” Capper.

Capper is the president of the Sulphur City Motor Cycle Club in Rotorua.

Fundraising to support him and his wife has so far raised just over $12,000.

“His loving wife is by his side in Wellington Hospital," friend David Erdbeer said on the fundraising page.

“Jeremy was lucky to survive the crash, but his injuries are severe,” Erdbeer said.

Wishes of goodwill and a speedy recovery have come from social motorcycling clubs from around the country.

The Sulphur City MCC said: “We would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers, well wishes and words of support for our brother who is fighting hard in the [intensive care unit].

“We appreciate and love all of you!”

Tautini "Jeremy" Capper (left) is battling for his life in Wellington Hospital. Photo / Supplied

Meanwhile, the grief-stricken motorcycle community are planning to ride together to the funeral of their comrade Lesley Brooks, who was killed in the triple-fatal crash.

Brooks, 46, a mother of three, was killed on State Highway 1 in Utiku, near Taihape, on Saturday. Fellow motorcyclist Jacob “Pudding” Coady was also killed, along with one other man yet to be identified.

As well as Capper’s fight for his life, a fifth person was also critically injured.

Brooks' funeral will be held in Palmerston North this Friday. The service will take place at Beauchamp Funeral Chapel at 2pm.

Lesley Brooks, 46, (left) is remembered by her friends, family and colleagues as "a beautiful soul". Photo / Supplied

A death notice was placed by her family in the Herald this morning.

It read: “Unfortunately and tragically, our beautiful Lesley was taken from us as a result of a [crash] on Saturday morning.

“Loving mother to Taylor, Alex and Piper. Cherished daughter of Claudia and the late Kenneth, and sister of David. Much loved daughter-in-law of Robynne and Kevin.

“We have lost our shining light.”

Jacob "Pudding" Coady of Hastings with his Triumph motorcycle. Photo / Supplied

Brooks’ motorcycle club, the Manawatu Road Pirates SMC, shared details of her funeral arrangements and asked all riders planning to attend to meet at the NPD petrol station on Rangitikei St at 1.15pm.

Representatives of more than a dozen motley clubs, including the WestCoast Riders, Hikurangi Riders, Tangata Whenua Riders, Tongariro MC, the Maketu Gentleman’s Club, Riders Against Meth and the Knights MC Sydney sent regards.

Details of funeral arrangements for Coady and the other man have yet to be publicly notified.

President of the Horowhenua chapter of the Road Pirates SMC, Rob Miller, understood police were investigating whether the car involved in the crash, which has also left the fifth man fighting for his life, was on the wrong side of the road.

“We overheard the cop telling somebody there it was a head-on,” Miller told the Herald.

Police told the Herald this morning their investigations were ongoing. Questioned about the possible cause, a police spokesman earlier said it was too early to comment.

Raphael Franks is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. He joined the Herald as a Te Rito cadet in 2022.

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