Caleb MacGregor dies after Dunedin crash as police seek witnesses, dashcam footage
The family of a teen killed in a crash near Dunedin are “devastated beyond words”, as investigating police appeal for information from the public.
Caleb Francis MacGregor was among seven people to lose their lives in a grim 50 hours on New Zealand roads last weekend, leaving police disheartened by the toll and urging motorists to take road safety seriously.
The 19-year-old died in hospital after a single-vehicle crash in the northbound lane of State Highway 1/ Caversham Valley Rd early last Sunday.
He “left us way too early”, family wrote in a death notice.
“We are devastated beyond words.”
MacGregor was remembered as a “loving son and best wee man” to his mother and “adored and loving brother” to his two siblings, with his father, grandparents, aunts, uncle and cousins also among the bereaved.
A celebration of the teenager’s life will be held at Campbell & Sons in Mosgiel at 10.30am this Tuesday.
Friends flooded the comments section after the obituary was posted to Campbell & Sons Funeral Services’ Facebook page.
They remembered his “cheeky grin” and friendships forged on the rugby field, at parties and at Otago Boys’ High School (OBHS).
“Thanks for being a good friend to our boy and all your other mates at OBHS”, wrote one.
Another offered “much love” to the family and friends “whose lives have been changed forever by his passing”.
“He was such a funny, caring, and loyal mate to so many.“
MacGregor’s was a “young life, gone far too soon”, wrote one mourner in a sentiment shared by others.
“So very sad, so very young”, wrote another.
One new friend described MacGregor as “the guy who lights up a room the second he walks in”.
They’d “forever be grateful for every laugh, every drink and every memory” in a friendship that began this year and became “so close in that short time”.
“Until we meet again my friend.”
Police still want to hear from anyone with information relating to the crash, which happened about 1.15am last Sunday in the northbound lane of SH1 between Mornington Rd and Aberfeldy St.
They were “working to establish the circumstances around the crash” and wanted to hear from any witnesses.
“We would also like to hear from anyone who may have dashcam footage in the area before 1.15am.”
Anyone with information or dashcam footage should contact police online at 105.police.govt.nz or call 105, using the reference number 260726/7628.