Westport crash victim named

A 16 year-old who was killed in an early morning collision near Westport has been named. He was Thomas Elworthy of Westport.

Thomas was walking from Westport towards Carters Beach on Cape Foulwind Rd about 6.30am today when he was hit by a car. He was killed instantly.

Thomas was a year 11 student at Buller High School.

Detective Mal Haughey of Westport Police said the investigation today found that Thomas and two friends had snuck out and been drinking alcohol during the night. He said alcohol was likely to have contributed to the accident.

Detective Haughey said the accident happened on an unlit stretch of rural road.

Investigations so far had concluded that the driver was not speeding and had not been drinking. She was on her way to work at the time.

Detective Haughey said victim support had been involved with all parties including Buller High School today. Enquiries into this accident are continuing.

Editor's note: Age corrected to 16 and direction of travel amended from earlier release.