Paige Johnson dies in fatal Rotorua hit-and-run
Fatal Rotorua hit-and-run death of Paige Johnson
Police are urging a Rotorua motorcyclist involved in a fatal crash to “come forward and do the right thing”. The incident occurred when the motorcyclist allegedly overtook a stationary vehicle and struck the 24-year-old as he was crossing Edm und Rd and Mangakakahi at approximately 2.15pm on June 15. The pedestrian, who police identified today as Paige Johnson, was sight-and hearing-impaired and died in hospital on June 19 after being airlifted to Waikato Hospital. Detective Senior Sergeant Mark van Kempen stated that officers had received “a number of calls and online reports” in response to previous information appeals. “We are now appealing for further public assistance to identify and locate the rider of the motorcycle involved,” he added. Since the incident on June 15, police have been working to trace the motorcycle’s movements. Additional photographs of the motorcycle have been released, believed to be a black and gold Kawasaki Ninja 600cc. The rider was described as a male with a “distinctive” full-length tattoo on his left leg. “CCTV footage provided by members of the public has helped establish that following the collision, the motorcycle travelled from Edm und Road onto Clayton Road, then along Thomas Road and into Gordon Road, heading east,” van Kempen said. “Today, a significant police presence has been in and around this area, speaking with residents and gathering further information. The response has been extremely positive, with several valuable pieces of information being received.” Van Kempen also mentioned that police continue to support Johnson’s family and urged the motorcyclist to “come forward and do the right thing – both for their own sake and for [Johnson’s] grieving family.” “We know Paige’s death will likely be weighing heavily on this person and it is important that we speak to them to understand the full picture of what occurred,” he explained. He reminded the public that assisting those involved in a way that intentionally hinders the police investigation could have serious consequences. The death of Paige Johnson as he was crossing a road in Mangakakahi on June 15 led to a search and several public appeals for information.
