Support for Leeston after fatal crash that killed three

  • 28/12/2016
Ellesmere College is mourning the loss of teenagers killed in a Boxing Day crash
Ellesmere College Principal Gavin Kidd

Leeston's Ellesmere College is offering support to the community, following the horrific Boxing Day crash that killed three teenagers in Canterbury.

Principal Gavin Kidd said the close-knit community in the rural town of Leeston is grieving.

"The college and our community are deeply saddened. Every student is really important and to lose one in these circumstances is a real tragedy", he said.

Fifteen-year-old student Cole Hull was one of three who died in the early hours of Monday, after a 14-year-old driver failed to take a corner.

Cole attended Ellesmere College and Mr Kidd said a support network has been set up for friends, family and those mourning the loss.

"We've got a very experienced guidance team providing support for the families and offering support to our school community", he said.

Mr Kidd said Cole was a keen rugby player with lots of friends.

"Cole was into his rugby, he was a personable, friendly young man, he had lots of friends and real potential for future success.

"It's really sad and a tragedy for his family. He's got two younger siblings at the college and we're just providing support for them and the family."

Also killed in the crash were 15-year-olds Lily Frances Moore and Samuel James Drost.

The driver and the only passenger - who was wearing a seatbelt - both survived the crash.

Newshub.