Tragedy as a promising rugby player is killed in a horror double fatal car smash on Boxing Day – leaving behind his devastated partner and one-year-old daughter
A promising rugby player, who had recently become a first-time dad, has been killed in a horror double car crash on Boxing Day.
Viliami Junior Muru-Teutau, a former NZ Maori Waitemata Rugby under-18 player, crashed his car into a bridge between Lincoln Rd and Waimumu Rd in West Auckland just before 6am on December 26.
The smash also claimed the life of a second young man, and seriously injured two others who were taken to Auckland City Hospital.
Viliami Junior Muru-Teutau , a former NZ Maori under-18 player, crashed his car into a bridge in West Auckland just before 6am on Boxing Day
Mr Muru-Teutau played for a New South Wales country team last year, before returning to his native New Zealand to play in the Waitemata Rugby Club's premier team
The 20-year-old's family released a statement on Monday night saying they are in 'a state of shock'.
'We can't believe he is gone. We are in a state of shock and our hearts are broken,' the statement read.
'Vili was a young man who had everything to live for.
'He is the father of a one-year-old daughter, and as one of five children, Vili's death has crushed his parents and family.
'There are no words to describe the pain and grief we are feeling.'
Mr Muru-Teutau played for a New South Wales country team last year, before returning to his native New Zealand to play in the Waitemata Rugby Club's premier team.
The young father worked as a roofing apprentice and was about to complete his trade training.
Waitemata Rugby Club remembered Mr Muru-Teutau as a 'great player and great friend' to all of his teammates.
'It is with a heavy heart that we as a club mourn the loss of one of our young and up and coming players … The club is praying and in support of the family,' a statement read.
Kelston Boys High School, where Mr Muru-Teutau graduated, said the school community was devastated by his death.
On Christmas Day, two people also died when a car hit a power pole just 25 minutes south of the Boxing Day crash site.
Waitemata Rugby Club remembered Mr Muru-Teutau as a 'great player and great friend' to all of his teammates