Wellington motorway crash victim remembered as man of ‘enormous character’
The person killed in a serious crash on a busy Wellington motorway has been remembered as a man with a “big heart” and “enormous character”.
Sixty-two-year-old Gregory David Diggins was today named as the person who died after the crash on SH1 on June 19.
The crash near Grenada North caused hours of gridlock, with some commuters abandoning their vehicles and leaving on foot.
“Police extend our condolences to Gregory’s family and friends during this difficult time,” police said in a statement today.
“Inquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.”
A death notice for the loved father and devoted grandfather attracted a flow of tributes from friends and family for the man, said to have left an “everlasting impression” on others.
“He had a huge smile and was always happy,” one wrote.
Another described Diggins as a “wonderful friend and a good honest man” with a “big grin and fabulous hugs”.
Pōneke Football Club took to social media to remember Diggins as a “true club legend”.
“Greg had time for everyone and always had a positive outlook, he was the kind of person every club hopes to have, relies on, and will never forget,” the post read.
Emergency services were called to the Johnsonville-Porirua Motorway about 4.40pm on June 19 after a collision in the southbound lanes between the Tawa-Grenada North on-ramp and the Churton Park-Glenside off-ramp.
Traffic was heavily backed up along the motorway, with congestion stretching from Porirua to Glenside.
Motorists were advised to expect delays on SH1 north of Wellington after the fatal crash on June 19. Image / Google
Senior Sergeant Mark Scott said police had a duty to “thoroughly investigate” fatal crashes for victims, families and the coroner.
“We must gather as much evidence as we can, to ensure we are able to put someone before the courts if there is any culpability,” he said.
“We also make sure the road is cleared of any debris, spills or note any damage that needs to be fixed, to ensure another crash doesn’t occur.”
NZ Transport Agency Wellington transport alliance manager Roxanne Hilliard said the agency’s thoughts were with the family and friends of the person killed and the injured motorist.
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