The man who died in a crash between Raglan and Hamilton last night was 49-year-old father of five Darren Merito of Raglan.
Mr Merito, known to his family as Rangi, died when a car and a truck collided on State Highway 23 near Whatawhata, west of Hamilton.
The driver of the second vehicle was taken to Waikato Hospital with moderate injuries.
Four of Mr Merito's sons, Codi, Clay, Cooper and Cannon are keen BMX bikers - with Codi being a 13-time national champion and currently ranked 5th in the world in Junior Elite.
Mr Merito will be farewelled by his family and friends in Whakatane on Monday.
