Crash victim ‘well-respected’

Colleagues of the Timaru man killed in a three-truck crash on Burkes Pass on Tuesday are devastated by the ‘‘unexpected passing’’ of their workmate.

John ‘‘Wingy’’ Grant Wilson, 60, died in the crash and two other people suffered minor injuries.

He was working for Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency as part of its Downer highway maintenance team.

Downer executive general manager for transport Craig West said yesterday ‘‘the Downer whānau, and in particular our Timaru team’’, was devastated by the death of ‘‘our valued team member’’.

He said Wilson had been assisting another truck driver.

‘‘John has been a well-respected member of our team since 2014. He was based in Timaru, currently working as a driver operator helping to maintain South Canterbury state highways.

‘‘Our hearts go to John’s family, friends and teammates.’’

The company’s immediate focus was on actively supporting Wilson’s family and colleagues.

‘‘We are encouraging people who are impacted by this loss to take the time they need, and to seek support.’’

Brett Gliddon, Waka Kotahi general manager transport services, said their thoughts are with everyone affected by Tuesday morning’s crash.

‘‘We offer our sincere condolences to the family, friends and workmates of John Wilson, of Timaru, who died while working for Waka Kotahi as part of our Downer highway maintenance team [on] Tuesday morning.

‘‘Our deepest sympathies are with his family and his wider network of friends.’’

Gliddon said Waka Kotahi’s highway maintenance teams work in all conditions and all weather, night and day.

‘‘This tragic death reminds us of their vulnerability and the risks they face as they work for everyone else’s safety on our highways.’’

Waka Kotahi confirmed the police serious crash unit is investigating the crash.