Crash victim's family working to prevent deaths

Kelan Stroud. Photo: supplied via Givealittle
Kelan Stroud. Photo: supplied via Givealittle
The family of a Cromwell man who died in a car crash last week are working to prevent other families from experiencing their pain.

On March 27, Kelan Stroud, 17, died in a crash on State Highway 8 between Cromwell and Clyde.

The crash, which involved two trucks and a car, occurred about 6.30am and closed the road until late in the afternoon.

Following Kelan’s death, his family requested a Givealittle page be set up in his honour to raise money for teenagers on restricted licences attending Cromwell College to be able to complete a defensive driving course at Highlands Motorsport Park.

The goal was to be able to pay for as many pupils as possible to complete the course.

The Givealittle page had raised more than $7100 from 82 donors by last night.

Highlands chief executive Josie Spillane said she was behind the cause 100%.

"Our hearts go out to the Stroud family and we are honoured to have been asked to play a part in honouring his memory, by working with the family to provide this experience for Cromwell College pupils.

"Highlands has been providing a hands-on driving experience to help Central Otago locals be equipped with practical hands-on experience in their car to learn how to drive to the conditions and expect the unexpected."

Comments on social media yesterday expressed sympathy for the family and supported the plan.

"Kelan Stroud ... I am deeply sorry that you are not here in person to see this, but look what you have done.

"You can look down and know that your mates, and others coming along can get the opportunity to learn some seriously good stuff.

"We will miss the coming years without you in it."

 - Givealittle Link: Help the Stroud Family support our young Drivers, of the Cromwell Community

laine.priestley@odt.co.nz