Many Rotorua locals are mourning the loss of a much-loved wife, mother and athlete.
Stephanie McHale, 29, was killed in a car crash yesterday afternoon on State Highway 5, just south of the Hemo Gorge Rd - Old Taupo Rd intersection.
Her 6-week-old old son survived the crash uninjured but was taken to Rotorua Hospital overnight for observation.
Mrs McHale was an active member of the Rotorua Association of Triathletes and Multisport (RATS). On their Facebook page, they have said that they were "all at an absolute loss and cannot comprehend the enormity of her passing."
"The beautiful smiles, precious time, endless energy, and unwavering dedication Steph gave the club, will forever be treasured. Her legacy will remain for many, many years; we will hold tight to all these memories. Steph was a girl who had one heck of outstanding [knack] for organising anything."
A 43-year-old man from the Murupara area, who was driving a Mazda Bounty utility towing a trailer, is in Rotorua Hospital in a critical condition.
His 44-year-old male passenger from Auckland is in a stable condition in Rotorua Hospital.
A serious crash investigation is continuing.
- From the Rotorua Daily Post
