The 19-year-old who was hit by a car near a house party in Half Moon Bay earlier this month has died, police confirmed.
Xavier Browne was struck by a car at around 10.30pm on Saturday July 7.
Police arrived at the scene shortly after and Browne was rushed to hospital with critical injuries.
It was confirmed by police on Wednesday that Browne died five days later from his injuries.
Tributes to Browne have flooded in on social media calling him a promising sportsman, a valued friend and loving son.
His father Kutz Browne wrote a tribute to his son on Facebook, “I will c u again my son Xavier. I love u and I never 4get u. Till next time my son love u 4eva.”
Acting Inspector Chris Barry, Area Prevention Manager for Counties Manukau East, says the accident is still under investigation.
Barry says the scene of the crash was a short distance from a party at an address on Casuarina Rd that evening.
A neighbour told Stuff that his wife had contacted noise control at around 9.30pm. He also estimated there were around 500 people attending the party.
However when police attended the property, they estimated there were fewer than 100 people at the party.
“We are not aware of receiving any complaints in relation to a party on that street at any stage of the night and the first time we were called to the street was as a result of this serious crash,” says Barry.
“The priority for police at the scene was to deal with the crash scene, which was under scene guard due to the fact that the Serious Crash Unit was conducting a scene examination due to the seriousness of the crash.”
Police also spoke with the organiser of the party following the crash.
“We were satisfied that there was no breach of the peace or disorderly behaviour at the address and police had no concerns in relation to the party,” he says.
“The only occasions where police are able to close down a party is if there is disorderly behaviour, unlawful activity taking place or fears for the safety of those inside an address.”
Police remained at the crash scene for several hours following the crash as a scene examination took place.
At around 11pm, Police arrested a male for disorderly behaviour relating to an incident near the crash scene.
A 20-year-old male was charged with disorderly behaviour and cannabis possession and will be appearing in the Manukau District Court in September.
