Community rally behind critically injured man

Nearly $7000 has been raised for a Te Anau man who was critically injured in a motorcycle crash in Haast earlier this month.

Set up by the owner-operator of Fiordland Lakeview Motel and Apartments in Te Anau, Illeana Taylor, the Givealittle page for Sam Walker had so far raised $6990 from 70 donors.

Walker was on his way to Haast on a bike trip with friends on April 5 when he was in a crash and then flown to Dunedin Hospital, the page said. He was “in critical condition after a sun strike collision” and had “many injuries, a collapsed lung, severe concussion, numerous broken bones in his back, arm, shoulder, ribs, and ankle”.

“Sam will be undergoing numerous operations over the next few months,” the page said.

Taylor said Walker was self-employed as a crutcher and shearer in the town and the funds were being raised so family could be with him in Dunedin during his recovery.

“Sam's a family man, he loves his family more than anything and we just wanted to lessen the financial worry for them to be with him during his long recovery ... [and] take turns to be with him to support him and his rehabilitation.”

Taylor said Walker had children who lived in Australia, so the money would cover costs such as flights, and allow his wife to be with him while he recovered.

The idea came up in a brainstorming session with the staff at her motel, Taylor said.

“They’re amazing people in the community and we just wanted to be able to do something for them because there's so much travel between Te Anau and Dunedin.”

A police spokesperson said there was a three vehicle crash involving two motorbikes and a car on Haast Pass Highway around 6:30pm.

“One person received critical injuries and was transported to Dunedin Hospital and the other motorcyclist was transported to Queenstown Hospital in a moderate condition.”

The Serious Crash Unit had attended the scene and conducted a scene examination.

“Police continue to make inquiries into the circumstances of the crash. No charges have been laid at this time.”