$160k raised for crash victims
Couple had been supporting family back home
More than $160,000 has been raised for the loved ones of a Chinese couple who died in a car crash in West Auckland last week.
James Huang, 36, and Mao Wen, 33, died after the car they were travelling in collided with a truck on Brigham Creek Rd, Whenuapai, on Friday a week ago.
The couple, who were from China and had spent several years in New Zealand, had been hoping to gain permanent residency this month.
They were critically injured by the time emergency services arrived at the crash site and died at the scene.
Friends of Huang set up a Givealittle page to help raise money for the affected families. It revealed Huang’s family was “heavily dependent on their son for their finances”.
Huang was an IT engineer, and Wen an acupuncturist, and both their families remain in China.
“James’ family comes from rural Yongzhou city, Hunan province, with poor economic conditions,” the friends wrote.
“Since young, his parents have raised money with his family to support James’ overseas education fees. As his parents have no source of income, they have been heavily dependent on their son for their finances.
“James and his wife strived very hard in pursuit of success and creating a name for themselves, with the
It is hard to accept the fact of James and his wife’s death. His kindness, hard work, and wisdom left a deep impression on us.
eventual goal of bringing his family over to New Zealand to live a good life.”
The pair had recently bought a house in West Auckland.
The online fundraiser said funds would go to support the families “during this difficult time,” including covering flights to New Zealand, MIQ costs, legal consultants and to “support the parents with poor economic conditions and bad health conditions”.
Huang’s family were also seeking volunteers to help translate communications with government departments and legal advice over insurance payments.
Friends paid tribute to Huang on the page.
“James is very knowledgeable and he believes technology can change the world. He is like a brother and teacher, always giving advice and support,” one person wrote. “He will always live in our hearts and his spirit and legacy will remain in the world of tech.”
Another wrote: “It is hard to accept the fact of James and his wife’s death. His kindness, hard work, and wisdom left a deep impression on us. James is a geek who dreams to change the world with technology.”
A workmate wrote: “He is a caring colleague, always resolving disputes during disagreements.
“When another colleague encountered an accident, he donated his annual leave out of goodwill, despite his poor family situation. He also actively participates in public welfare undertakings and provides his codes to programmers all over the world for free, benefiting at least 3000 people.”
Police are investigating the crash.