KEY POINTS:
The New Zealander who died in Victoria's worst rail crash in 66 years nearly missed the train.
Nick Parker, 32, was one of 11 people killed when their train was hit by a truck on Tuesday.
The furniture salesman was in Australia to celebrate his sister Kirsten's engagement.
A relative of Mr Parker's told Melbourne's Herald Sun newspaper he was on his way back to his sister's home after visiting family. His cousin drove him to the station, and they made it by only about 30 seconds.
Mr Parker would have got off at Kerang station, 5km on from where the crash happened.
He climbed from the train after the crash but collapsed and died as he tried to make the short walk to the highway.
Victorian police yesterday charged truck driver Christian Scholl, 48, with culpable driving causing Mr Parker's death, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years' jail.
He was remanded on bail, and is to face further charges over the other 10 deaths.
Scholl is in the Epworth Hospital in Richmond, where he is recovering from his injuries.
Mr Parker was the eldest child in a 40-member extended family on both sides of the Tasman.
A family statement yesterday said: "We are all devastated and still coming to terms with Nick's tragic death."
Mr Parker was born in Wellington, attended Wellington College and had lived in Wellington, interrupted by periods of overseas travel. He worked in the family furniture business in Thorndon with his parents and sister.
Mr Parker is survived by his partner Lisa, parents Michael and Judy Parker, sisters Kirsten and Amadee, and grandmother Dawn Tucker.
- NZPA
