Tractor accident victim 'hell of a good guy'

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Friends and family have paid tribute to the man killed in a tractor accident near Waikouaiti earlier this week as a "hell of a good guy".

Christopher Thomas Murphy, 24, of Waikouaiti, died when the tractor he was driving rolled on farmland. The time of the accident has still not been established but emergency services were called to the scene at 10.40am on Monday.

Golden Fleece Hotel owner Allan Hall said Mr Murphy was a "hard working young boy" and well liked in the area.

"He will be sadly missed," he said. "He was a bloody good kid."

Mr Murphy had applied for a visa to work in the UK in July, but missed out, Mr Hall said.

"If he'd only got that visa we wouldn't have had this," he said.

Farmer Murray Eason, who worked with Mr Murphy, said the community was reeling because of the death.

"He was just a top guy," he said.

"It's very tough. He was a very well liked person and you don't wish this on anybody."

Friends and family took to social media to express their grief.

"Rip, won't be forgotten!! Nicest guy I've met and so hard working," one friend said.

Another said simply: "Will miss you Chris".

A relative posted "love u cuz xxoo".

Police said Mr Murphy was killed when the tractor and fertiliser trailer he was operating slid down a hill and rolled. Initial scene examination indicated he was thrown from the tractor cab.

The death had been referred to the coroner, police said.