Police release names of men who died in Whangarei fatal crash

Police have released the names of the two men who died in a fatal crash in Whangärei on Saturday night.

The names are:
Richard ADAMS-SIMPSON, aged 19, of Whangärei
Christopher Bruce WALLACE, aged 19, of Waiotira

The crash occurred just before midnight on Saturday May 22, when the vehicle approached the bend near the intersection of Western Hills Drive and Manse Street, lost control and landed upside down in the nearby stream.

The two men died at the scene and a third man, aged 20 years, was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Police would like anyone who saw a 1990 gold Mazda 626 driving around Whangärei, and possibly near the intersection of State Highway One and Mangapai Road, prior to the crash to contact Sergeant John Fagan at the Whangärei Police on 09 430 4500.

Last year a 17-year-old man died in a crash near the same area and speed was believed to be a factor.

Northland Road Policing Manager Inspector Clifford Paxton is urging motorists to drive to the conditions on this stretch of road.

"Unfortunately some drivers are not behaving in a safe and considerate manner and are placing themselves and others at risk."