Talented young jockey, 18, dies after dirt bike tragedy

RIP.

A talented young jockey has died after a crash between the dirt bike he was riding on and a car.

The incident, which caused the death of 18-year-old Ngakau Halley, occurred at an intersection in Whitoria.

A statement from Waikato police said: "Sadly, the rider of the dirt bike received critical injuries and was transported to hospital where they later died. Two young individuals in the car were taken to hospital with moderate injuries.

"The road was closed whilst the Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination. Investigations into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing."

The New Zealander was in the third year of his apprenticeship as a jockey, and had already won 46 races, with 18 coming this term.

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Northern Riding Master, Noel Harris, said: "It's tragic, words just can't describe it. I was chatting with him on Monday and then this happens.

"He was very polite and he was a very talented lad. You knew straight away when you saw him on a horse that he was a natural. From where he was raised, they just jump on a horse and you become part of it."

An online fundraiser has been set up to help cover his funeral costs.