Mother killed in Rotorua horror crash mourned

Stephanie McHale competing in the Contact Tri series at the Blue Lake in 2011. Photo / Rotorua Daily Post

Many Rotorua locals are mourning the loss of a much-loved wife, mother and athlete.

Stephanie McHale, 29, was killed in a car crash yesterday afternoon on State Highway 5, just south of the Hemo Gorge Rd - Old Taupo Rd intersection.

Her 6-week-old old son survived the crash uninjured but was taken to Rotorua Hospital overnight for observation.

Mrs McHale was an active member of the Rotorua Association of Triathletes and Multisport (RATS).

On their Facebook page, they have said that they were "all at an absolute loss and cannot comprehend the enormity of her passing."

"The beautiful smiles, precious time, endless energy, and unwavering dedication Steph gave the club, will forever be treasured. Her legacy will remain for many, many years; we will hold tight to all these memories. Steph was a girl who had one heck of outstanding [knack] for organising anything."

The cars were so badly damaged that the occupants had to be cut free. Photo / NZME

Outgoing association president, Nina Dobson said the club was wrapping their support around the family.

"We are all pretty much in shock and disbelief, lot of them can't believe that this has happened," Miss Dobson said.

"She was a friend of everyone's. Quite a few of us were at the baby shower not that long ago. The club will make ourselves available to support the family, all who are part of the club, throughout the coming months, not just now - whatever they need, we'll be there for them."

A 43-year-old man from the Murupara area, who was driving a Mazda Bounty utility towing a trailer, is in Rotorua Hospital in a critical condition.

His 44-year-old male passenger from Auckland is in a stable condition in Rotorua Hospital.

A serious crash investigation is continuing.