Mate stumbles across fatal crash

Sean Thompson with his son Troy. Photo / Supplied

A father of two young children was killed in a motorcycle accident just minutes from his workplace.

Sean James Thompson, 40, died instantly when the motorbike he was riding hit a barrier and went through a fence last Thursday.

The accident happened about 6.30pm on the Ellerslie-Panmure Highway - near the intersection of Ellerslie Park Rd - just minutes away from his workplace, The Glass Guys, which he owned.

An eyewitness said they had seen Mr Thompson's motorcycle wobble at a bend in the road before he lost control and crashed.

A co-worker came across the accident and identified his friend to authorities.

Mr Thompson is the only son of Jill Doherty and Lee Thompson.

Mrs Doherty said her son was committed to the glass-repair business he set up in 2001.

"He loved that business and worked hard to keep it going. I'm becoming prouder and prouder of him hearing stories from people who have called us," she said.

Mr Thompson was father to Troy and Paige, aged 4 and 6.

"When I think of all the people that have contacted us in the past few days, it seems like there wasn't anybody in Auckland that this kid didn't know," Mrs Doherty said.

"That's how he was; he just got along with everybody ... I'm going to miss the fun part of the guy and the 'I love you ma's'."

Mr Thompson was a qualified auto-glass tradesman and had been working in the glass industry for more than 24 years.

He was a popular boss and workmate and was also well liked by customers, his friends say.

Co-worker Dane Grant said staff at The Glass Guys were shocked to learn of their mate's death.

"I worked with him for about seven years and he was just hard-case, full-on about his work and family. Just a great, generous guy," Mr Grant said.

Family and friends of Mr Thompson will farewell him today at a service in Papatoetoe.