Brothers involved in Te Atatu car crash

The scene of the crash on the Te Atatu Peninsula. Photo / Dan Hines

A West Auckland teen killed in an early morning crash was one of two siblings in the vehicle.

And the Herald has learned that the boy's mother had to break the news of his death to his older brother later in hospital.

Ethan Corteze Scott, 14, died when the car he was a passenger in crashed into a power pole on Taikata Rd in Te Atatu at about 6.15am on Monday.

Ethan was in the back seat of the Honda Accord, which police later revealed had been reported stolen, and died at the scene.

His older brother Eli, 16, was also in the car.

He was taken to hospital with serious injuries and underwent surgery.

A source said he was recovering and awake. He had little memory of the crash and his mother had to tell him that Ethan was dead.

It is understood funeral plans are underway. Ethan's family were being supported by Victim Support, relatives and friends.

A third youth, also aged 16, was also hospitalised after the crash.

A police investigation into the crash is ongoing. The Waitemata Serious Crash Unit are making inquiries as to whether alcohol or speed were factors in the crash, where the boys were going and why they were in a stolen vehicle.

It is expected to be at least several weeks before the exact circumstances of the crash are established.

Ethan was a student at Rutherford College and previously attended Te Atatu Intermediate.

His friends paid tribute to him on his Facebook page yesterday.

"Rest easy brother, gona miss seeing you ... gone way to soon gone but never forgotten see you on the other side (sic)," one friend wrote.

A relative posted: "we are in pain and are grateful for all the love and support and concern".

Funeral details were yet to be announced, but it is understood Ethan's family were working together to plan a tangi for the teenager.