A man who died in a quad bike accident in Wanganui yesterday has been named.
Sonny Peke, 38, had a partner and children, according to Rangitikei councillor Soraya Peke-Mason and her husband Andre Mason.
Mr Peke's quad bike crashed in Castlecliff about 12.35pm. He was taken to Wanganui Hospital where he later died.
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 just there at the emergency department."
Mr Mason was told 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.
Anna Calman, who said she was related to Mr Peke, 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 the street 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.
Mr Peke's family was being supported by police, who are investigating the crash.
