Teen crash victim remembered for his smile

Liam Simonsen, 19, was a “hard-working young chap” who made many friends everywhere he went. Photo / Supplied

Liam Simonsen will be most remembered for his smile.

The teenager lost his fight for life on Tuesday, nine days after he was rushed to Waikato Hospital after crashing his car into a parked car and a tree. He passed away with his family by his side.

Liam's father Kane Simonsen said his son would be deeply missed.

"He had a big huge heart, he was always a giving person. Never a taker, always thinking of other people for sure. He was very caring, he was just a lovable young man."

Liam was born in Matamata on May 2, 1996 and had lived all over New Zealand before making the Western Bay of Plenty home. He had just started working for PBT Couriers, in Mount Maunganui.

Mr Simonsen said he would miss his son's smile the most.

"His smile was just huge. It was very attractive. He drew people to him."

Cars were a big part of his eldest son's life, he said.

"If there was an old car he would pull it to bits. Any cars he liked to tutu.

"He would drive anything, jump on a bike, he'd mucked around out the back of the farm. Loved driving the truck down the beach, he'd get it stuck, he'd have to walk back and get the tractor and pull himself out because I got sick of getting it to pull him out."

Mr Simonsen said his son was a hands-on person.

Coralii Weidmann, Liam's aunty said her nephew was a magnet.

"He made friends everywhere. Lots of friends wherever he went."

Colin Simonsen, Liam's uncle, said Liam was a happy man.

"He always had a smile on his face and was just a good boy really.

"He was a bloody great kid and was respectful for his elders but so good to his younger siblings and cousins."

Liam had three brothers Zane, 12, Chase, 9, and Ngaakau, 4, and a sister Dana, 14.

PBT Transport branch manager Aaron Barnes said he had the pleasure of knowing Liam for three months.

"He was a very hard-working young chap. Very likable here at PBT and enjoyed working with his peers - they all got on really well. He worked hard for us, it's a real shame he has passed away."

Liam's body will be at the Omarumutu Marae today and those who knew him have been invited to pay their respects and visit him this week. A service for him will be held for him at the marae tomorrow at 11am.