Family's questions go unanswered at inquest

Jayden Andrews-Howland's mother says she'll remember him as a 'caring kid with a heart of gold'. Photo / Supplied

Jayden Andrews-Howland's family had to leave his inquest with their questions unanswered yesterday after hearing grim details of his death in the Christchurch earthquake.

The inquest, led by Chief Coroner Judge Neil MacLean confirmed that the death of Jayden - who was due to turn 15 the following day - was a result of the February 22 quake.

He died when the bus he was on in central Christchurch was crushed by falling bricks and masonry from nearby buildings.

His mother, Helen Andrews, told the Herald she would remember Jayden as a "genuine, honest, caring kid, with a heart of gold, who would help anybody".

When Judge MacLean asked yesterday if Jayden's family had questions, they wanted to know where he was on the bus when it was crushed, where the bus is now and if they could see it.

Jayden's grandfather, Archie Andrews - who played a major role in raising him - asked Judge MacLean: "Will we ever know the buildings that did come down on him, or what they were?"

Judge MacLean said the issue of buildings and their collapse was for a royal commission of inquiry to investigate, but he directed authorities to try to seek answers for the family.

Mr Andrews later told the Herald that finding out which buildings collapsed on to the bus Jayden was travelling on was "not really looking for blame".

"It is a closure thing."

Jayden had taken the bus into the city centre that day because his bike had been stolen a couple of weeks earlier.

Mr Andrews said his grandson had always been there to support him as he coped with a brain injury. His dog Bonnie was his great love, but he also loved taking trips.

"He wanted to get his [driver] licence, and I would teach him to drive. He also talked about being a coach driver."

An inquest yesterday into the death of Joseph Pohio, 40, heard that efforts by passers-by to revive him failed. His mother, Joy Pohio, said she had been told her son had gone to help a woman trapped after the quake.

"He went to her to try to help her and rubble - with the aftershock - fell on him."

Asked if her son's actions made her proud, she said: "We have always been proud of Joe. Always. It was typical Joe."

Jaime Gilbert, 22, was confirmed yesterday as a quake victim in the collapse of the Iconic Bar in central Christchurch. His sister, Amy Cooney - who survived the bar's collapse - questioned the building's safety following the September quake in Canterbury.

"There's no way the building was safe again, and someone needs to answer for that."

DEATHS CONFIRMED

Those confirmed as victims of the earthquake at inquests yesterday were:

* Andrew Christian Ross Craig, 46, on a bus in Colombo St.

* Jayden Brytane Andrews-Howland, 14, on a bus in Colombo St.

* Jeff Pelesa Sanft, 32, on a bus in Colombo St.

* Joseph Tehau Pohio, 40, in High St.

* Jaime Robert McDowell Gilbert, 22, at the Iconic Bar, Manchester St.

THE NEXT STEP

Inquests next month will focus on victims of the collapse of the Canterbury Television (CTV) building. The inquests will be held in Christchurch and heard by Waikato coroner Gordon Matenga.