Police name family of five killed in crash

Police are now able to confirm the identities of the family of five found dead as a result of a road crash near Whakamaru this afternoon (December 18).

The driver of the vehicle was 23-year-old Lisa Crowley. Her partner, Richard Melling, aged 37 was the front seat passenger. In the rear of the vehicle were 11-year-old Jordan Melling, two-year-old Brody Crowley and a three-week old boy, who police believe was yet to be named. The baby was in a baby capsule. They were a blended family with Lisa the mother of the youngest of children and Richard the father of Jordan.

Police know that they were seen at their home in Whakamaru by family and friends at 8pm on Sunday night. Their vehicle appears to have been heading towards Whakamaru suggesting that at some stage they had left the settlement to an unknown destination and were then returning.

It is not clear at this stage when the crash happened and police would like to hear from anyone who knows of their movements between Sunday night and today. Police also want information from anyone who saw their vehicle a green Honda Integra in or around the area since Sunday.

The names of the two men killed in today's crash on SH1 are unlikely to be released today as Police need to make overseas enquiries.

Anyone with information about either of these crashes are asked to contact Taupo Police on 07 378 6060.