Quad bike rider named

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A man who died in a quad bike accident in Castlecliff on Thursday was Sonny Peke.

The 38-year-old had a partner and children, according to Rangitikei councillor Soraya Peke-Mason and her husband Andre Mason.

Mr Peke crashed the quad bike in Hood St about 12.35pm. He was taken to Wanganui Hospital for surgery but died of his injuries.

Police said he was not wearing a helmet and the bike was not certified for road use.

"He's my first cousin," Mr Mason said. "I was there at the emergency department."

Mr Mason heard Mr Peke had hit the side of the kerb, tipped over and hit his head.

"It's a big loss for the family, especially the children," he said. "It was a very sad situation.

"I just feel for the children, that's all."

Anna Calman, who said she was related to Mr Peke, told the Chronicle she was shocked at the news. "Another friend gone," she said.

"He's left behind beautiful kids now. They're lost without their daddy."

A man living on Hood St said he looked outside and saw Mr Peke lying on the ground with about six to eight people standing around him.

"I thought it wasn't serious because it's only the bike and the man lying down, it didn't involve a collision or anything," said Fiatau Faalili.

A Bamber St resident did not see the crash but heard it, saying the sound was "just like a gate hitting metal".

Mr Peke's family is being supported by Police.

The Police Serious Crash Unit is investigating.

Police would like to hear from anyone who saw the incident on Hood St. They are also keen to hear from anyone who saw Mr Peke or know of his movements prior to the accident.

Please contact Constable Jonathan Redley at Whanganui Police Station on 06 349 0600.