Police name first of two Americans killed in bus collision
One of two 23-year-old Americans killed after a car and bus collided near Kingston, Queenstown, has been named.
Police confirmed Spencer Jason Hom Dow died at the scene of the crash on State Highway 6 about 7.20am last Thursday.
The second man, who died in Dunedin Hospital, was also a 23-yearold American, but could not yet be named.
A GoFundMe page to deliver Dow back to the United States set up by his family has raised nearly $70,000 in three days.
“On November 1st, 2018, while on vacation, Spencer was involved in a tragic car accident and was unexpectedly taken from us,” the page said.
“We are reaching out to all those that love the Dow family. This fund is set up to help support Spencer’s family through this difficult time and to give him the send-off he deserves.
“Additional funds will be used to offset expenses for his funeral services.”
The page said Dow cared for his friends and family and he had an “infectious smile and easy-going nature” which would light up the room.
“When he was at Denison University, he studied abroad in Iceland, which sparked his curiosity and desire to travel the world. Whenever he had the opportunity, he travelled with his friends or family,” it read.
“Spencer brought joy and humour to those around him — he will forever be in our hearts and we will miss him dearly.”
Acting Inspector Craig Dinnissen of Dunedin confirmed yesterday the second man had died overnight Tuesday in Dunedin Hospital.
The crash also injured nine others but none of their injuries was lifethreatening.
The pair were believed to have met while travelling in New Zealand.
The cause of the crash is still being investigated and police want to speak to witnesses.
The crash near Kingston has fanned safety concerns regarding the tourist highway heading into the busy summer season.
The Otago Daily Times understands the car driver was passing a truck when the collision occurred.
It was the second fatal crash involving a car and tourist bus in the area in just over two weeks.