Drug-driving charge over cyclist’s death
A man who allegedly crashed into and killed a cyclist going for a bike ride with his daughter during lockdown has been charged with drug-driving causing death.
Clint Hoeben, 48, was killed while out on a short ride in North Canterbury with his 14-year-old daughter, Tara, on April 2.
Hoeben was giving her tips on changing gears when a driver heading in the same direction crashed into them, killing the father-of-two and leaving Tara with minor injuries.
Canterbury rural area commander Inspector Pete Cooper said yesterday a man had been charged with drug-driving causing death and drug-driving causing injury.
He also faces firearms-related charges. Stuff understands the charge relates to a firearm found at the scene of the crash.
Stuff earlier reported that the driver of the van was James Solvander.
Hoeben’s wife, Charmaine, said she was pleased that police had laid charges. The family was still coming to terms with their loss. ‘‘The family is struggling – every day is a challenge. My daughter doesn’t want to leave home, my son doesn’t want to leave my side in case I don’t come back,’’ she said.
‘‘We continue to get support from so many around us, and we continue being grateful to everyone.’’
It is understood Solvander refused to tell police why he was driving during lockdown. Solvander’s father, Pete Solvander, earlier said his son had a ‘‘perfectly legitimate reason’’ for driving.
‘‘My understanding is the law says you’re allowed to have contact with one other person that is a significant person. That’s my understanding that James was just exercising his right to do that. He was alone in the vehicle, he wasn’t travelling with anyone else. He was visiting a person who was close to him, a friend.’’
His son was ‘‘very distressed’’ about what happened, he said.
Hoeben and his daughter were about a kilometre into the trip along Oxford Rd in Fernside, heading towards McIntoshs Rd about 12.40pm, when they were struck from behind by a van.
They were both wearing helmets.