It was March 10, 2023, when the 17-year-old and three friends were illegally hunting with dogs in the Kaingaroa Forest, near Murupara in the Bay of Plenty.
The group was understood to have been smoking cannabis, though the quantity and timing of that remained unclear.
But soon after 10pm, Butler was driving a Mitsubishi, and was on his learner’s licence.
He encountered a security patrol on High Level Rd, near the intersection with Waimihia Rd.
The Mitsubishi slowed briefly, and security staff identified themselves, before Butler took off at speed.
The security patrol activated its lights and pursued for a short distance before abandoning the chase.
But Butler continued driving the car at high speed for several kilometres.
About 10 minutes later, the Mitsubishi was travelling north on Kiorenui Rd, on a straight section of road that alternates between sealed and unsealed surfaces.
Another vehicle was travelling in the opposite direction at low speed, when the Mitsubishi entered an unsealed portion of the road at an estimated speed of 90–100km/h.
The two vehicles collided near the centre of the roadway, and the Mitsubishi rotated clockwise, left the roadway, rolled, and struck a large tree.
When the police and ambulance services arrived at the scene, Butler was located in the driver’s seat, and it was apparent that he had died on impact.
His death was formally verified at the scene by an attending paramedic.
Other surviving parties were taken to hospital with “varying degrees of injury”.
On March 12, 2023, a post-mortem examination found that Butler died from serious head injuries.
The toxicology analysis report found that while there was no alcohol detected in Butler’s blood, cannabis was.
Jacob Butler was 17 when he died in a fatal crash.
Coroner says death highlights ‘yet again’ the risk of young, inexperienced drivers
Now, Coroner Ian Telford has released his findings into Butler’s death, noting the police investigation had concluded his limited driving experience and lack of formal assessment of his ability to operate a motor vehicle were considered contributing factors to the crash.
There were no faults with either vehicle, and the road was in good condition, though he noted the change in road surface from sealed to unsealed.
Excessive speed was considered a factor, as although Butler had not been travelling excessively over the speed limit for the road, “it was excessive under the circumstances given the type of road”.
Police hypothesised that, after actively fleeing from forestry security immediately beforehand, Butler believed the oncoming vehicle was another security patrol.
“This perception likely influenced him to continue driving at high speed. Driving at speed with reduced visibility in the enclosed forestry environment led to a misjudgement of the roadway ahead.”
Coroner Telford said the young man’s death highlights “yet again, the serious risks associated with young and inexperienced drivers operating motor vehicles on public roads without a licence”.
“Learner drivers lack the training, experience and judgement that develops over time, particularly when confronted with unexpected or high-stress situations,” Coroner Telford said.
“It is for these reasons their driving must be supervised until they have been assessed as competent to drive alone. Obtaining a full licence is not a meagre technicality.”
He said in Butler’s case, this already unacceptable level of risk was further compounded by the decision to flee from security staff and continue driving at speed.
“In these circumstances, judgment can rapidly deteriorate, leading to poor decision-making and an inability to accurately assess road conditions, other road users or safe speeds,” Coroner Telford said.
The coroner said this case also drew attention to the dangers of driving after consuming drugs, noting that toxicology confirmed Butler had cannabis in his system.
“This substance is known to impair perception, reaction time and decision-making.
“Even if the precise level of impairment cannot be determined, the presence of cannabis is concerning when combined with inexperience, speed and a complex driving environment.”
Coroner Telford said he reiterated the importance of clear public messaging that public roads were not appropriate places for “unlicensed or impaired driving under any circumstances”.
“Young people, in particular, must understand that combining inexperience, drugs, speed and poor visibility is a lethal mix,” he said.
“Jacob’s death was preventable, and it underscores the need for continued education and vigilance around driver licensing requirements, drug-impaired driving and responsible decision-making.”
He concluded his findings by offering his “sincere condolences to Jacob’s family and friends”.
Hannah Bartlett is a Tauranga-based Open Justice reporter at NZME. She previously covered court and local government for the Nelson Mail, and before that was a radio reporter at Newstalk ZB.