KEY POINTS:
Funerals for two North Canterbury men killed while riding atop a Christchurch-bound freight train last week are being held today and tomorrow.
The bodies of Cole Higginson, 25, of Amberley, and Nicholas Upritchard, 23, of Rangiora, were found with severe head injuries on the roof of a curtain-sided freight wagon in Christchurch's Middleton shunting yards early last Thursday morning.
Police believe the pair climbed aboard the moving train near Waipara, possibly at a gradient or corner where the train would have slowed, and were struck by a pedestrian footbridge near Blighs Rd in Bryndwr suburb as the train passed underneath.
Their deaths have been referred to the coroner.
A funeral service for Mr Upritchard was to be held in Rangiora at 1.30pm today. Mr Higginson will be farewelled at a service in Waipara at 1.30pm tomorrow.
Both were reported to be talented rugby players who represented North Canterbury. Mr Higginson was the son of former All Blacks lock Graeme Higginson.
- NZPA
