American honeymooner dead and bride injured in New Zealand car accident
Police said the crash was “an absolute tragedy”.
A husband was killed and his wife is fighting for her life after a car accident in New Zealand, four days after their wedding day.
Kirsten Steinke, 28, and Kenneth Kallan Stithem, 31, were visiting the popular tourist spot, Waitomo Caves, when their car collided with a truck on Thursday morning.
The couple had celebrated their big day just four days earlier in the U.S.
The Waikoto Times reported the accident occurred at 9.20am local time at the intersection of Waitomo Caves Road and State Highway 3.
Police said the newlyweds' car slammed into a truck carrying concrete after overtaking a stationary green vehicle.
Firefighters had to cut the couple free from the wreckage, and Steinke, of Colorado, was flown to hospital but her husband died from his injuries.
Friends said that the honeymooners had been white-water rafting the day before the tragedy.
The New Zealand Herald quoted Waikato Road Policing Manager Inspector Leo Tooman who said the crash was an "absolute tragedy".
"My heart goes out to the family and friends of the couple."
Police have appealed for the driver of the green vehicle to come forward.
The story you just read is accessible and free to all because thousands of listeners and readers contribute to our nonprofit newsroom. We go deep to bring you the human-centered international reporting that you know you can trust. To do this work and to do it well, we rely on the support of our listeners. If you appreciated our coverage this year, if there was a story that made you pause or a song that moved you, would you consider making a gift to sustain our work through 2024 and beyond?