LEAD STORY: Sudden death of Bay driver

Staff at Higgins Contracting were today mourning the loss of a good mate they simply called "Stoney" - a man his boss said was utterly devoted and dedicated to his job and his workmates.
Albert Stone Renata of Hastings died yesterday  after his truck and trailer unit plunged down a bank at Maraekakaho about 2.30pm.
The 63-year-old, who only two hours earlier had enjoyed a social riverside lunch with his fellow driver mates, died at the scene despite the desperate efforts of one of his mates who was travelling behind him and rushed to his aid. His mates said he appeared fine and there were no indications anything may have been wrong with his health. 
Road policing sergeant Clint Adamson said the truck was travelling east on State Highway 50, near Kereru Rd, when it clipped a bank on the left side of the road while taking a left-hand corner.
The truck then veered back across the road and down a bank. No other vehicles were involved.
Mr Adamson said the workmate and another motorist who arrived on the scene tried in vain to revive the driver.
"He was in the truck and showing no signs of life, so they did CPR until the ambulance staff arrived. They then continued with CPR, but were unsuccessful."
Mr Adamson said despite the wet weather, the crash didn't appear to be related to speed or road conditions.
"We can't be certain, but it appears as if it might have been a medical event. A post mortem will be needed to confirm that."
Higgins Contracting manager Brian Tobeck said staff  are struggling to deal with the loss of a mate who had been with the company since 1989.
"Everyone is pretty down today," he said. "He was a great employee - a very popular man who was dedicated to the job."
He said it was common for Mr Renata to turn up at work at 4.30am for a scheduled 7am start.
"He'd spend the time cleaning up the whole smoko room and then put toast on for the rest of the crew when they arrived."
Staff gathered this morning to share their thoughts. His mates were given the option to go home for the day, but Mr Tobeck said they chose to get on with the job, as that's what their mate would have wanted.
It is understood most of Mr Renata's family had been living in Australia and were now heading for Hawke's Bay.
He is survived by three children.
Mr Renata's funeral will be held at the Matahiwi Marae on Friday.