Coroner Dunn said Wilson \u201ctragically\u201d died at the scene, and Chase succumbed to his \u201csignificant injuries\u201d in Waikato Hospital and died the next day.<\/p>\n
A toxicology report found Chase tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (cannabis). His blood samples also tested positive for risperidone (an antipsychotic), rocuronium, lignocaine, midazolam and ketamine.<\/p>\n
Medical personnel likely administered some medications. <\/p>\n
Dunn said Chase\u2019s aunt reported he had struggled with substance abuse, particularly cannabis, and experienced serious mental health challenges in 2023. He was taking prescribed medication.<\/p>\n
Car \u2018fishtailed\u2019 into oncoming truck<\/p>\n
The family were driving from Whakat\u0101ne to Hamilton for a birthday party on the day of the crash.<\/p>\n
Chase was driving southbound on SH29 Kaimai Range about 12.15pm. Wilson was in the passenger seat, and their son was in a child restraint in the back.<\/p>\n
At the same time, Brett Moriarty was driving a truck northbound with two empty fuel trailers.<\/p>\n
Dunn said Chase \u201clost control\u201d on a moderate left-hand bend. When he tried to regain control, the car veered back to the left side of the road, then \u201cfishtailed\u201d across the lane towards the two northbound lanes.<\/p>\n
The car\u2019s rear left corner struck the truck\u2019s front right corner, \u201cthe force of the impact propelling the Toyota across both northbound lanes into a metal barrier, where it came to rest\u201d.<\/p>\n
Moriarty\u2019s police statement said he was in the passing lane, preparing to overtake another truck.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I first saw the vehicle, it had already lost control, and it was spinning clockwise direction [sic] it kept moving towards me and I could not avoid the impact, when it hit my truck, it collided with the back of it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Moriarty said he was driving at 52km\/h when he first saw the car.<\/p>\n
Dunn said Moriarty stopped to check on the occupants and called emergency services. <\/p>\n
Truck driver, car passenger not wearing seatbelts <\/p>\n
The Serious Crash Unit found the road was well marked, with double-yellow painted centre lines with audio tactile strips. <\/p>\n
The road had a variable speed limit, changing between 100km\/h and 60km\/h. <\/p>\n
At the time of the collision, the speed limit was 60km\/h because of wet weather.<\/p>\n
No faults were found with the car or truck, but the car\u2019s front left tyre was \u201clikely\u201d underinflated. <\/p>\n
Police considered the underinflated tyre, and wet conditions may have contributed to the loss of control.<\/p>\n
Wilson and Moriarity were not wearing seatbelts. Chase was wearing his.<\/p>\n
The crash unit also found a \u201cblackened smoking utensil\u201d in the car.<\/p>\n
It noted the effects cannabis could have on perception and reaction times.<\/p>\n
The effects of cannabis and risperidone on Chase were unknown but the fact he moved out of his lane meant the possibility of delayed or extended perception and response time \u201ccannot be overlooked\u201d.<\/p>\n
Chase was also driving \u201ctoo fast\u201d for the conditions.<\/p>\n
It concluded the crash\u2019s primary cause was Chase\u2019s failure to maintain control of the car.<\/p>\n
Dunn accepted the serious crash unit\u2019s findings.<\/p>\n
She said safety messages about driving safely and using drugs were regularly publicised and she encouraged drivers to abstain from driving while affected by cannabis or any other impairing substance.<\/p>\n
Piripi\u2019s mother, Jessica Chase, this week told the Bay of Plenty Times she\u2019d \u201chad a lot of setbacks\u201d since the accident, and she had been unable to return to work.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe grieving is always going to stay with us,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Chase said her grandson recovered from his broken leg \u201creally well\u201d.<\/p>\n
She said he was doing \u201creally great\u201d and was at school now.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe loves it. He\u2019s just that … vibrant, outgoing 5-year-old child.\u201d<\/p>\n
She believed \u201che fully doesn\u2019t understand … but there will be a time where he will understand\u201d.<\/p>\n
Chase said she lived in Hamilton and her grandson lived in Whakat\u0101ne.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was actually trying to see if I could move back there just so I could have that quality time with him … \u201d<\/p>\n
Chase said she hoped the other parties involved in the accident were doing well and wished them well for the future.<\/p>\n