Car linked to death crash had number plates removed

Aa Tom Fry's family prepares to farewell "a lovable rogue", police have revealed that the burnt-out car linked to the fatal motorcycle crash at Richmond last week had had identification removed from it.

Police said the number plates and other identifying characteristics were removed from the Nissan Skyline found on Horse Gully Rd last Thursday, about 15km inland from the crash site.

Tom Fry (18) was riding his motorcycle to work on a Morven dairy farm when the crash happened about 3.50am at the intersection of State Highway 1 and York St, Richmond.

Police have still not established what happened at the crash scene, nor would they speculate on when the identification was removed from the car.

Yesterday, Tom's family released a statement describing him as a loved son and brother and a loved best mate to all his friends.

"He was a country boy at heart, he loved the outdoors and the challenge this environment provided.

"He lived his short life full of enthusiasm, having many plans and ideas for his future."

Tom was born in Clyde, where he spent the first 18 months of his life, before moving to Southland where he and his farming family spent 14 years before moving to Papakaio in 2007, and then to Morven where his family work on a dairy farm.

He received most of his primary school education at Tuturau Primary, moving on to Menzies College at Wyndham in year 7, then on to Waitaki Boys High School in year 10, leaving part way through his year 12 last year.

He was an accomplished sportsman, representing Southland in rugby at under-48kg and under-14.

He was captain of the South Island under-48kg team - "a hugely proud moment for him and his family" - and he played for Waitaki Boys in the school's under-15 Colts, 2nd XV and 1st XV.

He represented North Otago in both under-15 and under-16 teams and was a member of the Hanan Shield under-15 team.

He was a good athlete who often represented his schools at championships.

He was described as confident, cocky, determined, loyal, a lovable rogue and a true friend, who greeted those close to him with a cheeky smile and a bear hug.

His family, who have asked that their privacy be respected, said North Otago lost an exceptional young man last Thursday.

"Tom was a young man who had everything ahead of him."

A service for Tom will be held at the Oamaru Club today at 1.15pm.

Yesterday, Detective Senior Sergeant Colin Blackie said that while police were waiting for final results from ESR, they were confident there was a connection between the burnt-out car and the motorcycle crash scene.

"Obviously it is important for us to identify the owners of this vehicle and we are still keen to hear from anyone who may know anything about this light-coloured, silver-grey two-door 1995 Nissan Skyline GTS which we believe was on State Highway 1 north and south of Oamaru early on Thursday morning."

There had been a significant attempt to remove the number plates and identification serial numbers from the burnt-out vehicle.

There might have been one or more people in the vehicle and police could also not discount the possibility that another vehicle might have assisted by picking up the occupants, given the remote location where the car was found.

Police were not only interested in sightings of the vehicle, but also in any reported purchases or thefts of small amounts of fuel, Det Snr Sgt Blackie said.

Anyone with information should contact Oamaru police on (03) 433-1400 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.