Two families rocked by loss of sons
As Jack Heritage takes down the Christmas lights, there is huge sadness that his only son will not be there to celebrate with them next year. His son — also named Jack — died after a crash on the Triangle Rd bridge in West Auckland on Boxing Day.
Heritage read of an accident in the news and looked out the window to check their cars were still parked outside.
But later that morning, two police officers arrived at his door and in that moment he knew.
“They asked me to go inside. I had a strange feeling,” Heritage said.
It was a shocking blow that left the 20-year-old’s parents reeling. Next year was supposed to their son’s year — he was set to embark on a new chapter in the military in 2021.
While the tight-knit family mourn, Heritage has been moved by the sheer number of people showing up their home to personally pay tribute to Jack’s memory.
His “kind-hearted” son made friends with ease. “It has consoled us,” he said of the overwhelming level of support.
There were many young people among those grieving.
“I have been telling them ‘I wouldn’t want your parents go through what we are going through now’. It is so painful.”
So many sad faces, tears wiped away from their eyes as they looked down to the floor, he said.
“So please . . . learn from what has happened. Just be careful. Think of your parents. Think of your life.”
He wants to make something good from a heart-aching tragedy.
“God give me the strength to use the opportunity to encourage somebody or help somebody learn from this,” Heritage said.
The crash also claimed the life of Viliami MuruTeutau, also 20, and hospitalised two others.
Yesterday, Muru-Teutau’s family said they were devastated at the loss of a vibrant, beloved son and young father. They described him as a naturally gifted sportsman, a former NZ Ma¯ori under-18 representative.
As a roofing apprentice, he was working hard towards completing his trade training to provide for his young family.
“Our world has been turned upside down and inside out. This is supposed to be a holiday season of festive happiness, and instead we are weeping and we are grieving,” his family said.
Five people have died on New Zealand roads during the Christmas/ New Year holiday period.