Tanker driver’s name released

The name of the Taranaki milk tanker driver who died after his truck flipped on its side last week has been released by police.

Stephen Gregory Smith had to be cut free from his cab following the crash about 8.30am on September 28 and paramedics treated him at the scene before the Taranaki Community Rescue Helicopter flew him to Waikato Hospital.

The 61-year-old, of Hawera, had been driving for Fonterra for about two months. He had remained in Waikato Hospital

"He was with us less than two months."

Tony McLean

since the accident on Skinner Rd, near Stratford, and died in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Fonterra has paid tribute to Smith and was supporting his family.

Lower North operations manager Tony MacLean said it was Smith’s first season working in the dairy industry.

‘‘The season begins in August. He was with us less than two months,’’ MacLean said.

He said it was a tragic event for the family and the company was focused on supporting them at this time.

MacLean said Smith was still in Waikato and the family were working to return him to Taranaki with a funeral planned for the end of the week.

‘‘This has been a huge shock for us on site but we’re really working to focus on the family at this time.’’

The police Serious Crash Unit is investigating.