Workmates grieve for man found in crashed car

Workmates of a New Plymouth man are grieving after he was found dead in his crashed car yesterday.

Xizhong Zhu, also known as Mark, 49, had been missing since Queen's Birthday weekend, after taking a trip to Auckland on May 30 and 31.

After more than three weeks searching, police found him near Onaero, about 30km north of New Plymouth, yesterday morning.

His body was still strapped in his seatbelt, in the wrecked remains of his Subaru Impreza in thick bush about 20m down a steep bank off State Highway 3.

Detective Sergeant Greg Gray told Taranaki Daily News police had spotted the car about 10am while searching possible crash sites from Mt Messenger to New Plymouth.

"We had to put in the hours to either locate him or be satisfied that he wasn't there. Unfortunately he was."

Investigations showed Mr Zhu had stopped at a service station at Ngaruawahia about midday on May 31 and it was likely Mr Zhu had crashed mid-afternoon just 30km from home.

Mr Gray said there were several possible factors that could have caused the crash including medical reasons, mechanical failure, inattention or fatigue.

Mr Zhu's disappearance was first brought to police attention by his workmates at Transfield Worley on June 3, when he did not show up for work after the long weekend.

The firm also paid for a helicopter search from Urenui to Te Kuiti.

Transfield Worley chief executive Pat Hills said the news of Mr Zhu's death had shocked staff, especially the team of 40 he worked with closely.

"We needed some news and some closure. Unfortunately, it's been a tragic one," Mr Hills said.

Mr Zhu was a "quiet achiever", a gentle person and very well spoken, he said.

"You could trust him work-wise to always do the work well. He was liked by everyone in all of the 8-1/2 years he worked for us."

Mr Zhu came to New Zealand in 1998. H is only son, Tony, attended university in Christchurch and his ex-wife and parents live in China.

His death has been referred to the coroner.

- NZPA