Driver charged, Flaxmere mourns after crash kills 11yo cyclist in Hawke’s Bay
“People are hurting” in Flaxmere after an 11-year-old female cyclist was fatally struck by a vehicle in the Hastings suburb of Flaxmere on Thursday.
The tragedy happened on Chatham Rd just before 6pm.
A 34-year-old woman was due to appear in Hastings District Court charged with driving in a dangerous manner. Police confirmed they were not in pursuit of the vehicle at the time. They had not ruled out further charges.
Since the incident, Flaxmere community members have been visiting the crash site, where flowers, teddy bears and heartfelt messages now line Chatham Rd.
Local leader Lindsay Abbott, founder of One Voice Community Services Trust, has been co-ordinating support, delivering donated food (kai koha) and encouraging people to continue showing love while giving the family space to grieve.
“There is a real stillness in the air. The grief is heavy, and people are hurting,” Abbott said.
“But right now, what’s most important is showing aroha and wrapping our arms around this family.”
A fund has been set up for those wishing to help, with donation details shared on the Flaxmere Community Watch Facebook page.
A witness said the girl was cycling happily and laughing moments before she was struck.
“Flashbacks of what happened come and go all the time,” he said.
Since the crash, Hastings District Council had installed safety barriers to stop vehicles from entering the park.
“We’ve lost approximately 16 bollards, so we’re putting up fences to keep vehicles out while still allowing pedestrian access,” Susan Elms from the park maintenance operations team said.
“We also recognise that grieving activities are happening, and we don’t want to obstruct that.”
As police continue their investigation, the community remains united in mourning and calling for safer streets.