In the small town of Martinborough, a tragic collision took the life of Alison Robyn Korny and left three others seriously injured. The incident occurred on Pūruatanga Road on February 13 when a car driven by Alan Leatham struck the four-seater bike they were riding. The aftermath of the crash weighed heavily on Leatham, as his close friend Moana Carol Aporo revealed that he expressed deep remorse in the months leading up to his own passing.
Moana Carol Aporo shared that Leatham’s health rapidly declined after the accident, describing him as a kind and religious man who had been battling Parkinson’s disease and a stomach tumor for years. Despite his health struggles, Aporo always felt safe when riding with him until Leatham started experiencing difficulties with one of his eyes. She recalled Leatham’s desire to reach out to the victims and their families but unfortunately, his health deteriorated too quickly for that to happen. Eventually, Leatham was admitted to a hospice and passed away within two weeks of his arrival, with Aporo by his side in his final moments.
Shayne Hammond, the general manager of Poppies Winery, also shared his experience with Leatham on the day of the crash. Hammond stayed with Leatham after the incident, where Leatham expressed regret and disbelief at not seeing the cyclists on the road. Hammond mentioned the need for changes in speed limits and road signs in the community but acknowledged that in Leatham’s case, his illness played a significant role in the tragic outcome. South Wairarapa Mayor Martin Connelly expressed condolences to both Leatham’s family and the families of the victims, acknowledging the lack of closure for those affected by the crash. The community was shaken by the incident, as Connelly highlighted the shocking nature of having such a tragedy occur in their midst.
Not really sure why this matters, but the impact of the crash on the community was undeniable. The sudden loss of life and injuries caused by the collision left a lasting mark on Martinborough, where such incidents are not common. The victims of the crash were denied the opportunity to see justice served in a court case, adding to the sense of loss and injustice felt by all involved. Despite efforts to improve road safety measures, the circumstances surrounding Leatham’s health at the time of the crash emphasized the unpredictable nature of life and the challenges faced by individuals dealing with serious medical conditions.
Maybe it’s just me, but it’s heartbreaking to think about the chain of events that led to such a tragic outcome. The community mourns the loss of Alison Robyn Korny and the injuries sustained by the other victims, highlighting the need for greater awareness of road safety and the complexities of dealing with health issues while operating a vehicle. The story of Alan Leatham serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the unforeseen consequences that can arise from a single moment of distraction or illness. The town of Martinborough will not soon forget the events of that fateful day, as they continue to grapple with the aftermath of a devastating collision that changed the lives of many forever.