Youth escapes car crash only to die in trough

A Waikato youth walked away from a crash in which his car was airborne for 20m only to die in a water trough a short time later.

Police say Luke Anthony O'Reilly was driving near Te Aroha about 8.30am on Monday when his car hit a culvert, became airborne and slid 80m through a farm paddock.

Mr O'Reilly, of Te Aroha, was injured but refused help and walked away.

He was found by police a short time later, dead in a water trough.

Police are unsure if Mr O'Reilly fell into the trough or if he was trying to get a drink of water.

Witnesses have reported seeing him driving erratically before the crash.

Police investigations into the crash are continuing