Train victim identified

Police have finally identified the man hit by a train in Levin on May 28 and want to thank the public and the media for the fantastic response to the appeals for assistance.

Over the weekend 'Alan' has progressed well, gradually being able to speak coherently and stay awake for longer periods. During the weekend he has uttered a number of names and a search of over 2000 combinations of those names finally hit the jackpot.

Identification was confirmed late yesterday (Monday, 7 June) with the assistance of Immigration and Internal affairs searching through passport records.

Detective Brenda Kelly said: "Alan is not his real name but it is a name he likes to be known by. I have told him about the fantastic response from New Zealand and how 'famous' he has become with the number of people who rang in to help. He is truly humbled by the response and can't believe so many people have cared about who he is. He says he is not one for making a fuss, describing himself as a man of simple needs, and has asked me to thank New Zealand for caring. He doesn't however want his identity made public and we have to respect that."

Alan is 62, Kiwi born and bred, and roots are in the Christchurch area. He is a man who keeps himself to himself and has a passion for rail; regularly travelling by train. Police are still trying to identify relatives who are believed to live overseas.

"Alan has reiterated to me that no-one caused him any harm and that his falling on the track was an accident," said Detective Kelly. "We are satisfied that nothing untoward has happened to him and that he now just needs time and peace to recover."

Alan's memory is becoming clearer each day, but his missing yellow and black back pack and old suitcase remain a mystery and anyone who locates these items is still asked to contact the police.

"Along with Alan I would personally like to say a big thank you to New Zealand," said Detective Kelly. "I have been astounded by the number of phone calls we have received from the public and different agencies; some just offering to sit with Alan.

"Although none of this changes Alan's plight, it has helped us to find out who he is and he smiles knowing that. He is coming to terms with the seriousness of his injuries and has an amazing attitude toward his future."

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Alan's luggage is asked to contact Levin Police Station on 06 366 0500.