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North Canterbury school mourns death of student in crash

Written by RNZ | Jun 15, 2026 3:38:27 AM

A North Canterbury high school is reeling from the death of a student in a car crash over the weekend.

The Year 11 boy died at the scene, and three others were injured, one critically, on Loburn Whiterock Road on Saturday morning.

Rangiora High School principal Bruce Kearney said the student, Ethan, was a "fantastic young man with lots of energy and charm".

"Sadly, our community is reeling with the loss of one of our students. Today our school started with form time where our students were informed of what happened and where they can get support," he said.

Rangiora High School principal Bruce Kearney said the community was "reeling" over the death. Photo: Google Maps

Kearney said the school had counsellors on site to support students and staff.

"This will be the beginning of a long journey for all those involved and our hearts go out to the family during this deeply sad time," he said.

Senior Sergeant Chris Wakelin said the single-vehicle crash happened at 10.25am on Loburn Whiterock Road near the intersection of Barkers Road.

The cause remained under investigation.

The scene of the crash in Rangiora Photo: RNZ

-RNZ