Scott Alexander Mackenzie (37), originally of Cromwell but latterly of Perth, was killed yesterday after his off-road dirt bike crashed into a fence at the intersection of Shortcut and Partridge Rds, in Cromwell. The site is two blocks from his parents’ home. No other vehicles were involved in the incident.
Nearby residents had heard a motorcycle travelling around the area about 4am, with the noise stopping suddenly, Central Otago sub-area supervisor Senior Sergeant Ian Kerrisk said.
Police believed Mr Mackenzie had collided with the fence about 4.15am and died instantly, Snr Sgt Kerrisk said.
Mr Mackenzie was found unresponsive at the crash site by a family member who had gone looking for him just before 6am, the sergeant said. The person administered CPR but Mr Mackenzie was pronounced dead at the scene. Police, ambulance and fire services attended and the road was cordoned off until about 2pm yesterday.
Mr Mackenzie’s grandmother died in Cromwell on Christmas Day and her funeral is being held in Cromwell today.
Close family friend and family spokesman Allan Campbell, of Cromwell, said Mr Mackenzie’s family were devastated by his death.
His parents, Alex and Robyn Mackenzie, and his sister, Ginny Chatfield, loved their son and brother dearly and were proud of his achievements and his attitude to life.
Mr Mackenzie was a hard-working, honest, "good Kiwi lad" who had been living in Perth for several years, working as a driller on a mining contract in Western Australia, Mr Campbell said.
He loved his family and friends and enjoyed his trips back to New Zealand, returning every year for the opening of duck-shooting season, summer holidays and to stay at his crib in Hampden.
Mr Mackenzie’s is the 12th road death nationally of the Christmas holiday period and the 38th road death in the Southern district this year.
Snr Sgt Kerrisk said police believed speed and alcohol had contributed to Mr Mackenzie’s crash. Police had also confirmed Mr Mackenzie had not been wearing a crash helmet.
They warned drivers to be vigilant on the road and avoid alcohol if driving.
"This is a tragic loss for the family and an avoidable loss of life," Snr Sgt Kerrisk said.
Tributes were last night continuing to flow in on Facebook for Mr Mackenzie.
