The Manawatu rugby community is mourning the death of a promising young player who was the victim of a car crash last week.
Fairfax media report Maikeli Ledua, 22, died when his car collided with a truck on State Highway 56 at Opiki near Palmerston North just before midday lastTuesday.
Ledua's father also suffered severe injuries in the accident and is now understood to be in a stable condition at Palmerston North Hospital.
A family spokesman told Fairfax media the pair were returning from Wellington airport after dropping off family who were flying to Fiji when the accident occurred.
Ledua, a former Palmerston North Boys' High School student, had recently impressed during his debut appearance for Manawatu at the Central Region Sevens in Levin.
