The wife of a former Gloriavale member who died in a farm bike crash in south Canterbury has thanked New Zealanders for donations to help support her and the couple's three children.
Twenty-one-year-old Jeremy Max, formerly Jeremy Love, was killed when the farm bike he was on crashed on Macaulay Rd at around 5pm on Sunday, near the Milford farm where he lived and worked.
- Former Gloriavale man killed in motorbike crash
- Father of two kicked out of Gloriavale, accused of disloyalty
More than $40,000 has been raised so far in a Givealittle fundraising campaign.
An update on the page said widow Zoe Max wants to express how overwhelmed with gratitude she is for the amazing love and support shown to her during this difficult time.
"Many thanks for the messages of love and care, and for the donations you gave out of the kindness of your heart, she is so appreciative."
The update said she will be farewelling Jeremy on Thursday and is being supported by loving family and friends.
"Thanks again and God bless."
The Givealittle page said Jeremy was an "outgoing, active, fun-loving young man".
"He enjoyed hunting, rugby and hanging with his mates. He loved his children dearly and had just taught their four-year-old son how to ride his bike on two wheels."
The couple grew up in Gloriavale and married when Jeremy was 17 and Zoe was18.
They left the religious sect in 2016 with their young son, wanting to start a new life together in south Canterbury.
The Givealittle page said any proceeds raised on the page will help as she has no financial means due to most of the couple's family still living in Gloriavale.
"Due to the religious sect's rules, once you leave you are excommunicated - meaning they have no contact with anyone inside Gloriavale."
Newshub.
