Canterbury Police have released the names of the three teenagers killed in a crash in Leeston, Canterbury on Boxing Day, December 26.
They were Lily Frances Moore, Samuel James Drost, and Cole Troy Hull. They were all 15.
They died when their car rolled off the road. Two other young people were injured, one seriously. Police said only one person in the car was wearing a seat belt.
Friends and family have taken to social media to mourning the loss of their loved ones.
"I don't know the right words and how I'm meant to do this it's so painful but I need to let ppl know that Early this morning my son ... and two others where killed in a terrible car accident I'm sorry I'm leaving at this for now i cant find the right words [sic]," a father of one of the victims posted on Facebook.
"I'm forever lost without him."
The car, a Nissan Tiida, was travelling south on Harts Rd in Leeston when it lost control at an intersection and collided with a pine tree hedge at 2:20am on Monday.
The vehicle was found by a member of the public.
The victims were students from several local high schools.
Their deaths have rocked their close communities, and their friends have posted on Facebook their memories.
"My brother you left way to fast," said one. "Your with your dad now brother [sic]."
"Miss you bro," another read.
Newshub.
