Man dies in rural road crash

An investigation is underway into the cause of a fatal road crash near Norsewood.

Tony George Summerell, aged 41, of Norsewood, left an address in the Norsewood area on a motorbike around 4pm yesterday afternoon (Monday, 22 August). Approximately 1.30am this morning relatives contacted Police to report him missing.

Plans were being put in motion for a daylight search with the assistance of a fixed wing aircraft. Family members also starting making their own enquiries and searching the local area.

At approximately 10am Police were notified that a farmer had located the body of the man down a gully near his farm on Buckland Road, Ormondville.

Family members had spoken to the farmer earlier in the morning when they were out searching, so when the farmer had seen some disturbance in the undergrowth near his farm he had gone to investigate and made the discovery.

Buckland Road begins as a sealed road and then becomes an unsealed metal road. The bike has left the road along the section that is unsealed and dropped approximately five to 10 metres down a gully.

Serious Crash Investigation Unit is investigating the cause of the crash. Alcohol hasn't been ruled out as a possible factor in the crash.

Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.

Please view the full news release online at:

http://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/29163.html

ENDS

© Scoop Media