Newsman John Campbell comforts dying crash victim

A family has thanked TV3 presenter John Campbell for comforting a dying relative after his motorbike crashed at an Auckland intersection.

Campbell jumped out of a passing taxi and held the hand of Piripi Pokaitarawikiriwhi, 29, as he died.

The broadcaster was first on the scene of the crash in Grey Lynn a week ago.

Mr Pokaitarawikiriwhi's brother Denny Thompson said he was glad Campbell was there to comfort him and "spend some time holding his hand, and seeing him through".

Campbell attended the tangi for Mr Pokaitarawikiriwhi at the Unite Workers Union offices on Monday, where he told his family their son and brother had died quickly and had not suffered.

Mr Thompson said Campbell sat and listened to the many stories about his brother.

Unite organiser Mike Treen said Campbell was unsure whether it was appropriate for him to attend, but came after being told he was welcome.

- NZPA