Editorial: Details of crash see pain return

Iain Crisp caused a fatal crash on the Maungatapu Bridge last December.

Details of the events leading up to Tauranga father Gregory Woledge's death are shocking.

All fatal crashes are tragic but when alcohol or drugs are involved there is a deep sense the loss of life could have been avoided.

Such is the case with the Maungatapu bridge crash tragedy that claimed the 24-year-old father's life.

On Saturday, we reported that Papamoa man Iain Stewart Crisp smoked cannabis within half an hour of the fatal crash.

Crisp, 45, who admitted causing the crash, was heading home about 6pm on August 12 when his vehicle veered right into the opposing lane and collided head-on with Mr Woledge's work van.

The van plunged into the harbour with Mr Woledge and his 23-year-old work colleague Ashley Donkersley inside. Mr Woledge died while Mr Donkersley survived after a dramatic rescue.

Crisp also admitted falsifying his logbook by recording his finishing time that day as 8.30pm - two-and-a-half hours after the crash.

Police found a total of 17.3 grams of cannabis head material in his car.

No doubt the details of Crisp's actions will cause additional pain to the grieving family of Mr Woledge.

Mr Woledge was dedicated to his young, growing family and a keen sportsman.

His partner Chelsea Findsen, who was pregnant with Mr Woledge's second child at the time of the crash, described him as the "best partner" and "best kind of dad".

His parents, Kevin and Vivienne Woledge, said their son had everything to live for.

They have every right to feel outraged by the actions of the man responsible for causing the crash that claimed his life.