Swim trophies honour crash victim

IN MEMORY: Family and friends of Jesse Bucknell, killed in a car crash in March 2015 in Napier: Jess Anderson (left), Jesse's partner Ashleigh McAuley and their son Carter, Diane McAuley, Chloe Wilson with Isabella Hopman, Reuben Bucknell, Colin McAuley, Marcus Bucknell, Zane Hopman and Ruth and Cliff Bucknell. They presented two trophies during the Wairarapa Inter-Collegiate Swimming Sports at the Genesis Recreation Centre.

Masterton's Bucknell family has donated two sports trophies for an annual inter-college swimming competition in memory of Jesse Bucknell, killed this month in a crash.

Parents Ruth and Cliff Bucknell presented the trophies at the Wairarapa Inter-Collegiate Swimming Sports night at Genesis Recreation Centre on Wednesday.

The cups are for the glamour events of the night, the 8x25m Flying Squadron relay for boys and girls.

Jesse, 27, was killed when a truck he was driving left Marine Parade near Napier and struck a large tree.

Bystanders and paramedics had fought to save his life but he died at the scene, leaving behind partner Ashleigh McAuley and infant son Carter.

Mrs Bucknell, who was also officiating on the night, said they had been involved in competitive swimming since Jesse was 8 years old.

"We're still involved," she said.

"One of his younger brothers is swimming competitively."

She said it was the sport that started Jesse off on his triathlete career.

"Swimming gave him the opportunity."