Motueka motorbike crash victim a ‘lovely guy’
Tributes have been paid to Motueka teenager, Thomas Armit, who died on Monday morning while driving to work.
Armit, 19, was travelling along Thorp St to his job at Talleys at Port Motueka, when the motorcycle he was on collided with a car at the intersection of Glenaven Drive just before 6am.
It’s understood the driver of the car had travelled to his own place of work, but had forgotten something, and was returning home when the crash happened.
The driver’s injuries were not thought to be serious.
Armit was working six days a week for the agribusiness company, Talleys Group Ltd, as a mussel opener.
‘‘Thomas was a lovely guy who was well liked by both his peers and supervisors,’’ spokesman Nathan Howes said.
‘‘We were shocked and saddened to learn of the tragedy on Monday and our sincere condolences are with Thomas’ friends and family at this time.’’
Armit had left Motueka High School at the end of last year.
Principal John Prestidge said the school was deeply saddened and shocked by his death.
‘‘Thomas was a student popular with students and staff. Quiet and capable, he performed particularly well in PE and was a reliable, positive and polite young man.
‘‘The tragedy of his loss is huge given that he was a young man keen on taking the leap from school into the adult world of work and independence and he was certainly taking on that challenge.
‘‘His family remain loving and supportive of him and our thoughts are very much with them and Thomas’ friends, and the many people whose lives he touched.
‘‘We are proud to have had Thomas with us and will remember him with love.’’
Armit had been a teacher at local karate school, Motueka Seido Karate. Spokeswoman Donna Bradley said she had received calls from members of other karate schools around New Zealand, sharing their condolences and concern. ‘‘He was really skilled, awesome to watch.’’
Armit and his younger brother had gained their black belt three years ago, and he had had a good rapport with everyone who attended, she said.
Thomas’ funeral will be held on Monday at the Motueka Recreation Centre. Police are continuing their investigation.