KEY POINTS:
Police have released the names of two men who died in a car crash in Stokes Valley, north of Wellington.
Kyle John Gregor, 22, was killed in the crash that happened shortly after 7pm on Thursday night.
Brendon-Lee Roy Mehlhopt, 20, of Masterton survived the crash but died in Wellington Hospital's ICU the following night.
Sergeant Bruce Farley said the crash was a "terrible waste of young lives".
He said speed in a high performance car "was an issue".
"The car under-passed one vehicle then lost control, fish-tailed several times and slid off the road, through a fence and into a power pole.
"It's hard for the victims' families and friends, but this was a very preventable crash," Mr Farley said.
He said an 18 year-old survived the crash with cuts and bruises.
- NZ HERALD STAFF
