The family of an intensive care unit nurse who helped victims of the Whakaari/White Island disaster and died in a car crash last weekend described it as their "worst nightmare".
A Givealittle page has been set up for the family of 51-year-old Hsiu Hua Cheng, known as Sheila, following the crash on State Highway 30 in Rotorua on Saturday.
"Our darling friend Sheila Cheng was tragically killed in a car accident in Rotoiti," Amanda L Lorin wrote.
"It’s almost Xmas and this is every family’s worst nightmare."
Five people were injured in the crash just after 3.30pm.
The Givealittle page said Ms Cheng's husband, Rhys, is in a coma in Waikato Hospital, and is undergoing multiple surgeries.
Ms Cheng was an ICU nurse at Whakatāne Hospital who worked to save victims of the White Island volcano eruptions just days before she died.
Ms Lorin described her as "an amazing soul who was front and centre during the Whakaari/White Island tragedy only days beforehand".
"Their family are being hit with a double-tragedy right before Xmas, any kindness spared during this time would be much appreciated."
Whakatāne Hospital co-ordinator and duty nurse manager David van Dijk said staff were "deeply saddened by the loss of our respected, much loved and valued colleague".
"Sheila was one of the many staff who treated and comforted casualties from the Whakaari/White Island eruption.
"Our thoughts, love and support are with Sheila’s family at this time," he said.
Police are investigating the crash and have asked that any witnesses come forward if they haven't already. They are asked to call 105, quoting file number 191215/5008.
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