Hitchhike attempt led to deaths

WARWICK SMITH/Manawatu Standard

DEATH SCENE: The truck is lifted out of a ditch after the accident that killed two men.

Relevant offers

National

Pop's goat cruelly slaughtered ACC admits information botch-up Current thinking at IRL Longburn crash victim named Basic climate change science 'sound' despite IPCC errors Mentally disabled man in 'ridiculous' circle 260 Kiwi owners caught up in Prius recall Daily trivia quiz: February 10 Parents tell of search for murdered daughter Thousands sign anti-centre petition

It was a dark and foggy morning when drunk rugby league player Stephen Kailahi stepped in front of a truck being driven by Lower Hutt man Guy Bach.

Both men died in the ensuing crash on a stretch of State Highway 1, between Ohakea and Bulls, about 6am on May 31.

At an inquest in Palmerston North yesterday, Coroner Tim Scott said Mr Kailahi, 21, of Bulls, had been walking north on the left-hand side of the road when Mr Bach's truck, which was carrying 16,200 litres of caustic soda, approached him from behind.

Mr Kailahi attempted to hitch a ride by stepping one metre into the left-hand lane, Mr Scott said.

Toxicology tests on Mr Kailahi showed his blood alcohol level to be 176 milligrams - more than twice the legal driving limit of 80 milligrams.

The conditions would have made it hard for Mr Bach, 48, a driver with more than 20 years experience, to see Mr Kailahi, he said.

"Clearly, as he swerved, the truck he was driving impacted with Stephen and to make things worse the violent swerving motion caused the truck to overturn."

The truck then rolled into a ditch lined with trees on the opposite side of the road.

Both men died at the scene - Mr Kailahi from multiple injuries and Mr Bach from cervical spinal injuries, Mr Scott found.

Mr Scott said if Mr Guy had not taken evasive manoeuvres, in an attempt to avoid hitting Mr Kailahi, he might not have been killed.

Other motorists driving past also noticed a "stumbling" Mr Kailahi stepping out on to the road.

Police who went to the crash found car keys near Mr Kailahi's body.

A car found off the road about 1.5 kilometres away from the fatal scene matched these keys.

A large amount of alcohol was found inside the car.

Mr Scott said pedestrians walking next to a highway should travel against the flow of the traffic and always wear bright or white clothing when visibility was poor.

Hitchhikers should always remain stationary when attempting to get a ride, he said.

The family of Mr Kailahi, who played league for the Feilding Falcons, did not wish to discuss the coroner's findings.

About 25 witnesses and family members attended the inquest.

FATHER'S DEATH 'JUST SUCH A WASTE'

Lower Hutt woman Dale Gyton held a rock engraved with her late partner's name in her hands during an inquest into the crash that killed him.

Truck driver Guy Bach, her partner of 26 years, died when he attempted to swerve his truck around hitchhiker Stephen Kailahi on State Highway 1, between Bulls and Ohakea, in May.

The death was still fresh for Ms Gyton and the couple's two children Rosa, 15, and Alec, 12.

"He absolutely loved his kids," she said. "He was immensely proud of both of them. It just seems completely wrong. It was just such a big waste and it could have been avoided."

While the inquest was hard for Ms Gyton, she now felt like she could keep moving on with life. She returned to her teaching job this term after taking time off to be with her children.

Mr Bach was born in Palmerston North and spent his early life in Ohakea, but bought a Lower Hutt house with Ms Gyton in 1992.

Mr Bach's sister, Rachel Bull, said her brother was a happy, entertaining man who was always keen for a laugh.

"If there was a lull in the conversation he was the one to start it back up. But he was also hugely humble.

"He was the heart of his own family, but he had a leadership role for the rest of the family."

He loved Manchester United and the Ford racing team, and had hoped to make a second trip to Bathurst.