"Canterbury Police name victims of fatal microlight crash near Timaru"

Canterbury Police are able to name the two men involved in yesterday’s (23 January 2015) fatal microlight crash. They were 51 year old Senior Sergeant Hohi (Randel) Tikitiki and his friend (and flight instructor) 86 year old Alfred (Jack) Mehlhopt.

Their deaths have been referred to the Coroner. The families and friends of both men are understandably very upset and are being supported by Canterbury Police and Victim Support. The families have provided brief statements which are included in this release as they do not wish to speak to any media at this time and have asked for privacy at this very distressing time.

Canterbury Police District Commander, Superintendent Gary Knowles, said “This tragic and sudden loss of life has rocked not only the community in Timaru but everyone at Canterbury Police. Randel was a valued friend and colleague to many in New Zealand Police and a respected member of the community in Timaru. He has worked for New Zealand Police for 28 years, following in the footsteps of his father who was also a Police officer. His professionalism and passion for the District will be sadly missed. The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Canterbury Police are with the friends and families of Randel and Jack, two men who made a real difference to so many lives.”

A spokesperson from Jack’s family has provided the following statement “Jack was a loving father, uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather and will missed by his friends and family. Jack was an extremely experienced aviator having held a Pilots Licence since the age of 16. Aviation was his lifelong passion. The fact he is never coming home again is something that is very hard to get your head around. We are all extremely upset and ask the media to respect our privacy while we grieve. We intend to celebrate Jack’s life at a private funeral for his friends and family and again ask the media to please not attend or approach our guests for comment.”

A spokesperson from Randel’s family has provided the following statement “Randel was the loving father of twin girls and enjoyed spending time with them in the amazing countryside in mid-south Canterbury. An avid fisherman he was as at home with a fly rod in his hand as a spinner. He was a dedicated Police officer and we thank Canterbury Police for their support while we come to terms with the fact that Randel is not coming home. We are all understandably upset and ask that the media respect our request for privacy while we work through our grief.”

A cordon remains in place around the crash site which is in a rural area near Seadown, Timaru.

Canterbury Police investigations into the crash are underway. Investigators from the Civil Aviation Authority will visit the scene this afternoon.

The men are understood to have taken off for a routine training flight from Richard Pearse Airport, in Timaru, in South Canterbury Microlight Club’s pink and green training microlight at approximately 7pm yesterday. Canterbury Police are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the microlight during its flight as they may be able to provide them with information that will help with the Police and CAA investigations.

Anyone who saw the microlight during its flight or has any relevant information is asked to call Timaru Police Station on 03 687 9808.

Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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