Teens killed in horror Boxing Day crash to be laid to rest

Flowers and tributes at the scene of a crash that killed three teenagers near Leeston in Canterbury in the early hours of Boxing Day. Photo: Kurt Bayer

The funeral arrangements of two of the teenagers killed in a horror smash in the early hours of Boxing Day have been released.

Cole Troy Hull, Samuel 'Sammy' James Drost and Lily Frances Moore - all 15-year-olds from Canterbury - died when a car they were in, being driven at high speed by a 14-year-old boy, crashed near Leeston early on Monday morning.

Family and friends have been visiting the crash site on Southbridge Sedgemere Rd over the last few days, leaving flowers, messages and tributes.

Flowers and tributes at the scene of a crash. Photo / Kurt Bayer

"Fly high Sam," was scribbled on a smashed car hubcap and a handwritten note saying "We love you Lily" hung from a tree, alongside a pair of blue trainers scrawled with the words: "Love U Sammy".

The driver remains in hospital with serious injuries. The other survivor - the only occupant wearing a seatbelt - was discharged with minor injuries.

Death notices for Drost and Moore were published today in The Press local newspaper.

Both refer to the tragic circumstances of their deaths.

Drost will be "very dearly missed" by his mother and late father, the notice reads.

A funeral service will be held at Harewood Crematorium in Christchurch on Friday at 11.30am.

Moore was a "most treasured and dearly loved daughter" who will be "forever in our hearts".

Another notice reads, "Our hearts are breaking. We love and miss you so much."

Moore's funeral service will be at Westpark Chapel in Christchurch on January 4 at 2pm.

Flowers and tributes for the three teens killed in the crash near Leeston. Photo / Kurt Bayer

Rangi Ruru Girls' School principal Dr Sandra Hastie yesterday said the news of student Moore's death had been met with "immense sadness".

"Our heartfelt condolences go to Lily's family and friends," she said.

"Rangi Ruru is a strong, closely-knit and supportive community and [Lily's family] know we are here for them at this difficult time."

Principal of Ellesmere College, Gavin Kidd said yesterday that the school, which Cole attended, was offering support to students and parents.

The holiday road toll climbed to double figures yesterday after a motorcyclist died near Gore.

It brought the annual total to 321 - exceeding last year's toll of 319 fatalities on our roads and the worst national tally in six years.