The death of a Pisa Moorings man in a fiery crash near Wānaka Airport was another example of the dangers of drink-driving, a coroner says.
Kane Stephen Evans, 23, died early on November 23, 2019, after his Nissan Terrano left the road on a bend at an estimated 135kmh, hit a large pine tree and burst into flames.
A postmortem report concluded the apprentice roofer died of high-energy impact injuries before there was significant smoke or fire.
Mr Evans’ blood alcohol level was 191mg, nearly four times the legal limit.
A police crash unit report concluded intoxication, fatigue and excessive speed were the main factors in the crash.
In her findings released recently, coroner Alexandra Cunninghame said Mr Evans’ death was "another example of why it is dangerous to drink and drive".
"Many locals in the Wānaka-Cromwell area do not live close to the nightlife, and there is no public transport available," Ms Cunninghame said.
Mr Evans drank a beer at home after work before driving to Wānaka to meet a friend about 7pm on November 22.
They drank beer and whiskey at three bars until about 1.25am, when they argued outside and Mr Evans "stormed off".
His friend later described him as "pretty pissed and aggressive", and not capable of driving.
About 1.45am, a motorist came across Mr Evans’ vehicle up against a tree, in flames.
Other motorists stopped, but no-one was able to approach the vehicle.
The third bar, where Mr Evans was served alcohol despite CCTV footage clearly showing he was intoxicated, had its licence suspended for 48 hours.
