Nelson double fatal crash: Police name Marlborough teens killed, close friend pays tribute

A close friend of two teenage girls killed in a crash on an off-roading Nelson track has described them as “sweet and lovely girls who never said anything mean”.

On Thursday, police confirmed the teens who died were Joanna Lois Beach and Bondi Reihana Richmond, both 18, from Waikawa, Marlborough.

Emergency services were called to Mount Richmond Forest Park at about 11pm on April 8.

A track to Beebys Knob in Mt Richmond Forest Park, near where the two teens died in an off-road accident on Monday night.

“Police extend our condolences to their family and friends at this difficult time. An investigation into the cause of the crash remains ongoing.”

Shikarma Bradley told the Herald that Beach and Richmond were kind girls.

The trio were at Marlborough Girls’ College until Richmond and Beach moved to Queen Charlotte College in Picton when they were 17.

“We were really supportive of each other,” Bradley said.

“Every time I would speak, they would always laugh. They would find everything I say funny, no matter what it was, they would always be laughing.”

Bradley had been friends with Beach and Richmond since they met in Year 5 at Waikawa Bay School.

“[I have] so many memories with them. Throughout school, it was always just us three hanging out.”

Bradley said the trio often went to parties together.

”They would always come and stay at my mum’s house with me and we would always get ready together, listening to music, smiling, laughing and telling stories,” she said.

”We would go to these parties, have so much fun, and have funny stories to tell afterwards.”

Bradley said the pair were adventurous, enjoying walks and sunsets in nature.

Joanna Lois Beach (left), Shikarma Bradley and Bondi Reihana Richmond, pictured in 2021. Photo / Shikarma Bradley

Police and rescuers found the pair after an Apple Crash Detection beacon alerted them to the incident about 11pm on Monday, police have confirmed.

The beacon alerts authorities when a device suddenly stops moving. The device queries the user over their safety and if a response is not received, an alert is sent to emergency services.

“The location the alert pinpointed was instrumental in locating the deceased teens,” police said.

“A helicopter was used in the initial search, alongside police on foot and a police dog. On finding the teens a Sar operation commenced, involving LandSar volunteers, to recover their bodies.

“Inquiries into the cause of the crash are ongoing and will be presented to the coroner; however, the vehicle was found down a steep bank.”

Beebys Knob and the Red Hills in the Upper Wairau Valley Mount Richmond Forest Park, (inset) Joanna Beach and Bondi Richmond.

Bradley moved to Australia seven months ago but remained close with Richmond and Beach and spent the last three weeks with the pair while visiting family back in New Zealand.

“They were the type of friends who you may not see for seven or eight months, and then when you do see them, it’s like you have seen them yesterday,” she said.

“There is no different feeling, it’s the exact same.”

Bradley described their relationship as “pure”.

“You could sit in bed, all three of us could be in silence and there would be no awkwardness,” she said.

“They were good souls to be around. You could be around them and feel happy. They were both quiet but they always had a smile.”

Richmond’s father posted on social media: “The most beautiful, amazing daughter ... love you Bondi.”

Nelson Lakes operations manager John Wotherspoon said the 4WD access track to Beebys Hut in Mt Richmond Forest Park has restricted 4WD vehicle access with conditions of use.

“Four-wheel-drive vehicle access is only allowed between December 1 and April 30 and must be booked with our Rotoiti / Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre,” he said.

“The two women had a permit for vehicle access on the track.”

Wotherspoon said a rāhui is not being put in place.

“We are arranging with mana whenua to conduct a whakawatea te whenua/blessing of the land early next week.

“We extend our condolences to the family and friends of the two women who died in this tragic accident.”

Betty Whyte, principal of Queen Charlotte College, told Stuff that Beach and Richmond started their high school education at Marlborough Girls’ College before joining her school when they reached Year 10.

“They were lovely, bubbly girls. They were really close and certainly enjoyed life,” she said.

Whyte said the pair were looking at options after high school in practical trades.

“It’s a tragedy that none of us ever want to go through. It’s a worst nightmare for a parent.”

Both girls left Queen Charlotte College in 2023. A sibling of one of the girls was still at the school, but he was visiting family at the time of the incident, Whyte said.