Boxing Day crash victim 'loyal, fun-loving mate'

The family of an Alliance Lorneville meat plant employee killed in a car crash early on Boxing Day say he was a loyal and fun-loving mate, who was a devoted father to his 10-month-old daughter Lilly.

Shane Curtis Tosh, 24, died after his car left the Dacre-Lorneville road in the early hours of Boxing Day and flipped, ending up in a paddock.

He was the sole occupant of the Honda car.

Yesterday his uncle, David Tosh, said he was speaking on behalf of the family when he said his nephew's sudden death had devastated family and friends.

"Shane - with his partner Ashleigh - was a devoted and loving parent to his 10-month-old daughter Lilly . . . He was loyal and was loved by his immediate and extended family."

They had just celebrated Christmas together as a family, enjoying each other's company, he said.

Shane had been a boner at the Alliance meat plant and "had lots of friends and enjoyed fun".

The family made a joint statement for his obituary, saying Shane "lived tomorrow today".

"He will be greatly missed by all".

A service will be held for Shane at the Avenal Park Chapel in Invercargill at 1.30pm on Monday.

In lieu of flowers, the family have asked for donations for Shane's daughter.

- © Fairfax NZ News