‘A great heart’
Mystery after woman dies from car fall
The brother of a woman who died from her injuries after falling from a moving car in Christchurch says his sister had ‘‘the most contagious laugh in the world’’.
Nicole Morris, 30, was found on Bealey Ave about 5.30pm on January 27, police Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Cottam said.
Three weeks later, she died in Christchurch Hospital on February 17.
Cottam said Morris was seen falling on to the road between the intersection of Manchester and Bishop streets.
‘‘A motorist behind the vehicle she fell from stopped to help.’’
Morris’ brother Chris Morris said the family was ‘‘distraught’’.
‘‘[She was] known to be a tad naughty, but [she] had a great heart,’’ he said.
‘‘She was a huge animal lover . . . she rescued a few over the years, loved her cars. She was fun-loving and had the most contagious laugh in the world.’’
He said ‘‘she was stubborn if needed, a true battler, loved exciting situations, and she will be dearly missed.’’
"We are appealing for witnesses who saw Morris fall from the car to come forward." Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Cottam
‘‘She battled in intensive care for three weeks, but didn’t have the strength to go on and and took the first flight to heaven. She will live on in memories like no other.’’
A family funeral was being held in Christchurch today.
A school friend said the woman he knew as Morrie had been like an aunt to his son.
‘‘She was a really cool chick who had a huge heart’’, he said.
‘‘She was a really out-there girl who loved having a good time. She was always so smiley and funny and she’ll be dearly missed. She was incredibly friendly.’’
He said he remembered her as a car lover and said she was always up for spontaneous trips to the beach.
A memorial service has been organised by Morris’ friends and family. It will be held at the New Brighton pier at noon tomorrow.
‘‘Come join us as we come together to share our memories, laughs, a few tears and release balloons,’’ the Facebook event description says.
Police are investigating her death on behalf of the coroner. At the time of the incident it was being treated as an injury case.
Cottam said he became involved after Morris’ death.
‘‘We are appealing for witnesses who saw Morris fall from the car to come forward, particularly anyone who saw the vehicle she was in,’’ he said.
The car was a silver Ford Mondeo.
‘‘We’d like to thank the passersby who stopped and assisted Morris at the time of the incident . . . now we need your help to explain the circumstances surrounding her death.’’
Cottam said her family had been spoken to and were being offered support.
Anyone who witnessed Morris’ fall or has any further information is asked to contact Christchurch police on (03) 363 7400.
Alternatively, information may be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.