Crash victim a ‘humble’ and talented NZ pool player
The victim of a car crash has been remembered as a humble and quickwitted man, who travelled the world with his cue skills.
Tokoroa-based Daley James White died at the scene of a single-car crash in Taupo¯ shortly before midnight on January 24.
A short time later, another man died in a separate crash nearby following a 30 second police chase, sparked after an offender sped through the crash scene.
His death has rocked New Zealand’s cue sports community, of which Daley played a big role.
Daley was a quiet, helpful and ‘‘very humble’’ man, father Tau White told Stuff.
The 29 year old tried hard and was a top player at the local Pockets 8 Ball Club in Tokoroa, Tau said. ‘‘He’d been there nearly all his life.’’ The club was his life and ‘‘he was the club’’.
Sometimes Daley would visit the local club twice in one night, Tau said.
Growing up, he’d always been quickwitted and naturally intelligent. And he was a family man, who lived with Tau and would be missed.
‘‘It’s a big, big loss.’’
Police earlier said the sole occupant of the car – Daley – died after rolling through a paddock and crashing into a tree on Broadlands Rd in Taupo¯ .
A service for Daley was held in Tokoroa on Tuesday, followed by a burial. A pool tournament was held at the Hamilton RSA in remembrance of him on Sunday.
Wendy Cook, a friend of Daley’s who managed Daley’s local pool club, described him as a ‘‘natural’’ at cue sports.
He started playing when he was about 10 and represented NZ at world championships as a junior on numerous occasions, Cook said. He travelled NZ for tournaments, too. Daley was a quiet and humble young man who had never caused any trouble on overseas trips.
‘‘We know that he was capable of achieving great things.’’
Daley was up there with the best and always aspired to be better, looking up to the country’s top players, Cook said.
‘‘He’d watch them quietly and chat with them, loved to play against them. He just loved it.’’
The pool playing community had turned up in full force to Daley’s funeral, donning the local club’s old uniform. The death of one of Tokoroa’s well-known players was a massive loss, she said.
‘‘It has knocked us.’’