Three teens dead in crash with under-age driver

The scene of the crash that killed three teenagers near Leeston in Canterbury. Photo / Kurt Bayer

The three 15-year-olds killed in a high-speed car crash when their vehicle slammed into a tree have been named.

Cole Troy Hull, Samuel James Drost and Lily Frances Moore died in the crash near Leeston, southwest of Christchurch, early on Boxing Day.

The 14-year-old unlicensed boy driving the car was seriously injured. Another 14-year-old boy, the only one in the group wearing a seatbelt, suffered minor injuries and was able to crawl from the wreck and raise the alarm.

The car rolled, became airborne and slammed into trees near the corner of Harts and Southbridge Sedgemere roads near Leeston about 2.20am on Monday.

A spokeswoman for Canterbury District Health Board said the family had requested privacy.

Meanwhile, friends and family of the dead teenagers have expressed their grief online.

A friend of Lily said she would never forget her "cheeky humour and the conversations I would have with you".

"I loved how you always included everyone and care about people more then yourself, you always knew If something was up and you weren't afraid to help. You inspired me to be more positive and that is why I am so thankful to have had you as one of my friends.

"I will never forget you ever Lily."

One of Sam's friends has posted: "my brother you left way to fast ... your with your dad now brother [sic]."

And one of Cole's friends said he would be missed and he was loved.

"Fly so high brother."