Crash kills talented young mum
Family and friends of a woman killed in a car accident at the weekend are mourning a devoted mum who had a passion for creativity.
Phylicia Tamatoa, known as Philly, died when a car and a taxi collided on Royal Rd, in Massey, West Auckland early on Saturday.
Tamatoa died at the scene and a second person suffered critical injuries and was taken to hospital.
Police confirmed the second person, an adult, was in a serious condition last night in hospital.
The taxi driver received minor injuries and was treated at the scene after the 3.45am crash.
A source said Tamatoa was out getting food, and alcohol was not believed to be a factor in the crash.
Police said the serious crash unit was investigating the crash and could not comment further.
Tamatoa is survived by her young daughter. Her father is en route to New Zealand from his home in Western Australia.
The source said Tamatoa was a much loved and popular young woman with many friends.
She was a student at the Samala Robinson Academy, training to be a professional makeup artist.
On May 20 she posted photographs of her work on Facebook and said she had passed all three of her recent assessments.
Her peers described her as talented, artistic and said her work was “out of this world”.
“I definitely can say you enlightened us all with your beautiful strong vibrant positive soul and personality . . . we will never forget about you Phylicia,” said one friend. “You were such a good mum to your daughter and have inspired us all.”
“Such a beautiful soul taken far too soon,” said another. “You had the biggest heart and [were] always the life of the party. You will be forever missed as you made such a huge impact on so many lives.”
Tamatoa is a former student of Birkenhead College, on the North Shore, and old friends were also paying tribute to her last night.
One old schoolmate remembered the time Tamatoa had jumped into a swimming pool to save a fellow classmate who appeared to be drowning. “You saved him while everyone else [was] standing there watching him. You’re a life-saver, girl. Love you, Philly.”
Another friend said she was “lost for words” and was in “total disbelief” Tamatoa was gone.
“As soon as you walked into a room you always turned heads girl, your gorgeous humour was one of a kind, your soft kind soul was like no other.”