The victim of the fatal farming incident at a rural property in Purau, which occurred shortly after noon last Friday has been named.
He was 34-year-old Christopher James Corlett from Taranaki.
Witnesses reported that the fertiliser truck Mr Corlette was driving was seen travelling backwards down a moderate slope beforecontinuing down a steeper incline, coming to an abrupt stop in a gully.
Canterbury Police, Diamond Harbour Volunteer Fire Brigade and Westpac Helicopter attended the incident but the driver was confirmed as deceased at the scene.
Canterbury Police and WorkSafe New Zealand investigations into the cause of the incident are continuing.
A family spokesperson said "We are all in shock and struggling to come to terms with the fact that Chris is not coming home. He was a loving father of two, husband, son, brother and friend. We understand that the public are interested in the events that took Chris from us but ask they understand why we ask for privacy while we come to terms with our tragic loss.
"Our family will hold a private funeral where his friends and family can come together to celebrate his life and ask that the media do not attend or speak to his mourners. We would like to thank Canterbury Police and emergency services for their help, support and professionalism and our friends for their unwavering support."
