Teen crash victim was driving borrowed car

JOELLE DALLY | 21st May 2010

The 15-year-old driver who died from injuries in a crash last Friday night was driving a borrowed car.

Zac Cameron had no licence and was carrying four teenage passengers when he lost control of the Ford Falcon in Hawarden, North Canterbury, about 200m from his mother's home.

He died in Christchurch Hospital on Wednesday.

Police are making inquiries as to how he got access to the car.

Zac's mother, Aimee Jarden, said yesterday Zac had lived with her all of his life, but recently moved to Christchurch to live with his father.

She said Zac had driven cars and motorcycles on her 1.4h property since he was young.

"He was quite experienced for someone of his age," she said.

"But he did not have a driver's licence."

Ms Jarden was at home at the time of the crash.

A parent of one of Zac's friends in the area came and picked her up and took her to hospital.

She said the loss of her son had left her feeling "numb."

Zac had only turned 15 in February. He was a talented motorcycle rider, and had competed in many motocross races. He was also a keen rugby player, she said.

Police said the car spun 180 degrees before smashing into a power pole on Horsley Downs Rd about 9.15pm.

Police said speed and driver experience appeared to be issues in the crash.

The 15-year-old front seat passenger, also from Christchurch, yesterday remained in a serious condition in Christchurch Hospital.

The 14-year-old backseat passengers suffered minor injuries.

Zac had attended Hurunui College for all of his schooling till the end of last year.

Hurunui College principal Ron Ballantyne said yesterday that the staff and students were "deeply saddened" by the news of Zac's death.

"The school extends its condolences to Zac's family and friends," he said.

Mr Ballantyne said the college was providing support for staff and students, assisted by the Ministry of Education's traumatic incident team.