‘Incredibly talented’ lawyer, 31, dies suddenly in front of shocked witnesses minutes before she was due in court
- Telise Martin was hit by a van close to the courthouse
- A witness saw the crash and said they heard a ‘huge bang’
An ‘incredibly talented’ young lawyer has tragically died after being hit by a van minutes before she was due to appear in court.
Telise Martin, 31, was hit by the vehicle outside New Zealand’s North Shore District Court in the Auckland suburb of Albany on Tuesday, as diners at a nearby cafe witnessed the horror crash.
“A woman was standing by the passenger door on the driver’s side of a car when she was hit by a van coming up the hill,” a witness told police. Stuff website.
Café patrons and staff from a nearby Miter 10 hardware store rushed to her and gave Mrs. Martin first aid until a passing doctor stopped to assist and took over.
Someone else comforted her and held her hand and the rest directed traffic until the police arrived. It all happened quite quickly, but it was all quite shocking,” the witness said.
‘Incredibly talented’ young lawyer Telise Martin (pictured), died after being hit by a van minutes before she was due to appear in court
Telise Martin (pictured with her husband Tim) is remembered as ‘an amazing person – the light shone with great brilliance from her and touched everyone she met’
Ms Martin was taken to Auckland Hospital in critical condition after the Corinthian Drive incident.
But her injuries were too great and medical officers couldn’t save the trial lawyer.
“By all accounts, Telise possessed that rare combination of talent and heart, empathy and tenacity required of great advocates,” a rack of her colleagues at Martelli McKegg Attorneys said.
“This has thrown our entire business at Martelli McKegg into shock and we are all in a state of mourning,” they said, referring to Ms. Martin by her maiden name, Kelly.
The company’s statement detailed what Ms. Martin was like as a person, as well as her professional abilities.
“More importantly, Telise was a wonderful person – the light shone with great radiance from her and touched everyone she met,” said her colleagues.
“Her rays of sunshine will be sorely missed by all of us.”
Ms. Martin attended the University of Auckland where she completed law and accounting before being admitted as a barrister to the New Zealand Supreme Court in 2015.
After just eight years of practice, Martelli McKegg said she was “very on the rise” and showed the hallmarks of a leader.
Ms. Martin was originally from the far north on the coast near Mangōnui and was very proud of her heritage.
“We believe she was one of their best exports,” the company said.
Cafe patrons and staff from a nearby Miter 10 hardware store rushed over and gave Mrs. Martin (pictured) first aid until a passing doctor stopped to help and took over
Ms Martin was taken to Auckland Hospital in critical condition after the incident on Corinthian Drive (pictured) in the Albany suburb
“She was someone who touched every member of the Martelli McKegg team and was deeply respected by all of us.
“We will greatly miss her presence, guidance and support, especially the process team.”
Detective Senior Sergeant Jason McIntosh, of the Tāmaki Makaurau Serious Crash Unit, sent his condolences to Mrs. Martin’s husband, Tim, her family and friends, the New Zealand Herald reported.
Sergeant McIntosh said the investigation into the crash is ongoing.