Muriwai Beach, New Zealand: Teenage girl, 19, killed as ute flips in horror incident on popular beach
A ‘beautiful and friendly’ teenager has died after being thrown from the window of a Ute and crushed in an alleged taunting incident.
19-year-old Madison Chamberlain died after the ute flipped and crushed her on Muriwai Beach near Auckland, New Zealand, about 2.30pm on Sunday.
Mrs Chamberlain’s employer, New World New Lynn supermarket, released a moving tribute to the teenager, saying she was ‘dearly loved by everyone’.
“Maddie worked the cash registers in our store, she was a beautiful and kind people person and very loved by all of us,” the post said.
“We are so sad that we are here caring for each other and heartbroken for Maddie’s family, friends and all of us who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.
“We will miss your beautiful smile and you will always be part of our family.”
A police spokesman said the ute was reportedly seen hooning on the sand shortly before the driver lost control. as reported by the NZ Herald.
Madison Chamberlain, 19, died after being thrown from a car window and crushed
Emergency services, including two rescue helicopters, rushed to the scene of the accident (photo)
A fisherman told the publication he saw the ute hoon before it overturned, throwing Mrs Chamberlain out of the window and rolling towards her.
Emergency services, including two rescue helicopters, rushed to the scene, but were unable to save the teenager.
An investigation has been launched into the alleged hooning and police have not yet laid any charges.
Locals have called for a ban on beach vehicles after a spate of alleged hooning incidents led to several deaths.
Rodney District Local Council chairman Brent Bailey said cars on the beach posed a danger to beachgoers.
Mr Bailey added that hooning was “immature” and that the tragedy of the associated deaths was avoidable.
Ed Donald, a local resident, countered that a complete car ban was not necessary, but it would help lower the speed limit on the beach.
Cars can travel up to 60km/h on Muriwai Beach, which Mr Donald said was ‘ridiculous’. He said the speed limit should be lowered to 10 km/h.
Better policing would also help, he said, adding that extra police patrols could stop high-risk drivers before they hurt themselves.
A fisherman claimed he saw the Ute taunt before it capsized (photo, Madison Chamberlain)