Police name man crushed by tree

Police have named the man who died yesterday when his ute was crushed by a falling tree during high winds near Queenstown.

He was Russell Liggett.

Sergeant Steve Watt, of Queenstown police, said Mr Liggett was metres from his own driveway when his Toyota Hilux was crushed by a 20m poplar tree on Lower Shotover Rd about 12.30pm.

Several occupants of the cars behind the Hilux saw the tree begin to fall and Mr Liggett trying to brake, he told the Southland Times.

Judging by the tyre marks, Mr Liggett braked for at least 3m but the tree still fell directly on top of the driver's cab, crushing it, Mr Watt said.

He was pronounced dead at the scene but it was at least three hours before the fire service was able to cut open the cab and remove his body.

- NZPA