The father of a longboarder Tristan Hunter who was killed in a skating accident on Friday says waiting for a police visit was the longest wait of his life.
The 21-year-old died when he was hit by a car following him down a steep Kapiti Coast road near Paraparaumu.
His father Shane says he waited with his wife for 20 minutes before police arrived to tell them what had happened.
"On Friday night my wife and I were in Wanaka when we got a call from the police, who weren't prepared to say anything aside from they needed to see us, so we knew something bad had happened," says Mr Hunter.
"We had to wait for them, that was the longest wait I've ever had. It was about 20 minutes before they turned up.
"They came and delivered the news and it was just a huge shock. There were lots of tears but to be honest we were quite numb, not really sure it was real."
The Hunter family gained some comfort from knowing the accident looks to have resulted in a painless death.
"We went and saw Tristan at the hospital, which was a bit of a challenge as the coroner wasn't particularly keen as it was being investigated as an accident," says Mr Hunter.
"Seeing him wasn't very pleasant at all, but we gather he was killed instantaneously, which is important for us -- to know that he didn't suffer."
Mr Hunter says family and friends of Tristan have gathered at their family home.
"We had about 40 people here [at home] yesterday, lots of young people pretty hurting at the moment. He had a lot of friends," says Mr Hunter.
"Everyone's been really great -- Lots of tears, lots of cuddles and lots of laughs."
Mr Hunter says his son will be remembered as a fun, cool guy who thoroughly enjoyed life.
"He was one of the friendliest people I know -- warm, loving, caring. I don't think he had an enemy in the world," says Mr Hunter.
"He absolutely enjoyed life and discovered this longboarding, which became an absolute passion for him.
"He loved it. He loved the speed, the technical stuff as well and he loved the views he saw while he skated."
Police have strongly advised people against skating on the road where the accident took place as it carries a "significant risk".
Police are not saying if the driver was known to Tristan or not as the investigation by the serious crash unit is ongoing.
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