Crash couple gave inspiration at gym

Norman Fitt and Dee Jordan had won numerous medals at the South Island Masters Games. Photo / Supplied

Norm Fitt and Dee Jordan had just poured everything into an hour of high-intensity aerobics called Body Attack.

Aged 73 and 67, the constantly active couple were in their usual fine form on Thursday night at their local gym, where they would work out several times a week - inspiring much younger participants with their stamina.

"It was Norm and Dee who were the ones that were normally yipping and yahooing and making all the noise and getting the energy in the class," said their group instructor, Brett Christie.

After the class, Mr Christie chatted to Ms Jordan - considered a mother figure at gym - about a matter he wanted kept quiet.

"And she hadn't told Norm, because we thought Norm might spill the beans. So we were having a bit of a wink about that."

The couple left the gym and 20 minutes later, while driving home, they found themselves in the path of a speeding driver pursued by police.

His Ford Mondeo ran a red light and struck their Daihatsu Terios, fatally injuring the couple.

"If only you could have held them up for another minute. It's a disturbing thought," Mr Christie said.

"It's such a massive loss. They are the nicest people you would ever meet. They had so long to go, and so much more to give."

Police said the chased driver's act of running a red light would have caused them to pull out of the pursuit for safety reasons.

A 22-year-old man has been charged with driving while disqualified and is expected to face more serious charges next week.

Mr Fitt and Ms Jordan regularly walked, danced, ran and worked out at the gym, took part in marathons, and had won numerous medals in the South Island Masters Games.

Other gym members marvelled at the couple performing rock'n'roll routines during fitness classes.

"If you could pick two people who portrayed what it meant to be healthy and active in life - you couldn't pick better than Norm and Dee."

In 2006, Mr Fitt told the Press newspaper: "I wouldn't want to be young again. We've got it made - the time, the attitude, the opportunity."

Friend Jim Instone said English-born Mr Fitt had spoken of his desire to have another go at the London Marathon despite a knee problem.

As well as being very fit and active, Mr Fitt was articulate, well-informed and community-minded. "He would have made an excellent mayor."

Prime Minister John Key called the deaths an "absolute tragedy".

"Two fine Canterbury people have lost their lives as a result of the irresponsible actions of a person who now needs to be brought to justice."

Police Minister Judith Collins warned motorists not to flee police.

"A very strong message needs to be sent that if they run, there is a good chance they or other innocent people will die," she said.

The deaths have reignited debate about whether officers should chase motorists in such circumstances.

Christchurch police inspector Malcolm Johnston said: "It's just absurd to suggest we shouldn't try to stop a maniac like this, under these circumstances.

"What does the public of this country want the New Zealand police to do? This guy could have killed anybody at any time driving at that speed. We are duty-bound to try to stop this guy before he kills someone."