Family mourns 'deeply loved' father and friend killed in van crash on ‘dangerous’ road
Sunday, 21 June 2026
William Zane Hori Te Rangi died in a single-vehicle crash on Wharekopae Road in Pātūtahi near Gisborne, just days before his 35th birthday.
Eleven other people were injured in the forestry workers' van crash on Friday at 5.20pm, with five suffering serious injuries.
Family described Te Rangi as a deeply loved father, brother and friend known for his kind heart and infectious humour.
Just days before he was due to celebrate his 35th birthday, William Zane Hori Te Rangi's life was cut tragically short when the van he was travelling in crashed near Gisborne.
The single-vehicle crash happened on Wharekopae Rd in Pātūtahi about 5.20pm on Friday, killing Te Rangi and injuring 11 others, five of them seriously. The occupants were believed to be forestry workers.
As news of his death spread, friends, family and workmates took to social media to pay tribute to a man they described as a beloved father, family member and friend whose warmth touched everyone around him.
In a post on social media, a family member described Te Rangi as a 'deeply loved son, brother, father, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend'.
“Will touched the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him,” they wrote. “He will be remembered for his kind heart, infectious humour, generous spirit, and the unconditional love he shared so freely. His sudden passing has left an immeasurable void, and he will be profoundly missed by his whānau, friends, and all whose lives he touched.”
The post went on to say “although he is no longer with us in person, his memory, legacy, and aroha will live on forever in our hearts.”
“We respectfully ask that our whānau be afforded privacy, love, and support as we navigate this devastating loss. Your prayers, aroha, and messages of support are deeply appreciated.”
Many others shared memories of Te Rangi online.
One family member wrote:“I will always be blessed to call you family and have your presence in my life. Thank you for always having my back multiple times, your huge grin and humour and all your love.”
“Our workmate, our brother forever,” a colleague said.
Meanwhile, locals have renewed concerns about the stretch of road where the crash occurred.
Barry McLaughlin told Stuff he arrived at the intersection of Kirkpatrick and Wharekopae roads shortly after the crash and saw emergency services and members of the public helping those involved.
“There were a few distressed people in the field and lying on the grass getting care,” he said.
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Another local, Dylan O'Connell, described the area as a longstanding crash blackspot and said he had witnessed multiple serious accidents there over the years.
He said wet weather made the road particularly hazardous, and Friday's rain would have increased the risk.
“The road’s too f…ing dangerous, end of,” he said.
“Even for the locals who run this road daily, we all know how dodgy it is.”
Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the crash or has information that may assist the investigation to come forward.