The second year University of Otago Student died in a stairwell pile-up at an overcrowded flat party in 2019.
The party, dubbed "Maggot Fest", was advertised to students as the last party at the flat known as "The Manor".
But the Crestani family did not dwell on their daughter’s tragic death. Instead they sprang into action and encouraged change in Dunedin’s student culture.
Last week in Dunedin, Coroner Heather McKenzie held an inquest into the 19-year-old’s death to establish the circumstances leading up to the incident and make recommendations about how similar deaths could be avoided.
Miss Crestani’s parents, Elspeth McMillan and Bede Crestani, represented themselves at the inquest, directly and bluntly putting questions to the witnesses.
Ms McKenzie remarked parts of the evidence were "desperately heartfelt" and at times there was not a dry eye in the courtroom — including her own.
He said the party "felt safe" to him, but he spent most of the night in his room.
The witness explained boarding up doors was intended to be a safety measure to stop people from damaging the house or getting on to the balcony.
"Retrospectively, that was one of the worst decisions we’ve ever made", the tenant said through teary eyes.
Ms McMillan asked if he thought opening his door would have eased the crush and potentially saved Miss Crestani’s life.
"Obviously yes", the witness replied before breaking down in tears.
Multiple witnesses recalled the tenant’s door partly opening during the crush before closing until police arrived.
Samuel Tillotson was sure the door opened.
"It would’ve been hard for him not to notice what was going on", he said.
"I’m not sure who would be that selfish."
The tenant did not recall the door being opened.
The inquest heard gut-wrenching accounts of how Miss Crestani’s death traumatised party-goers.
One witness, who has interim name suppression, was thanked by Mr Crestani for coming to the inquest.
"I’m sorry it’s not Sophia instead", she said.
Ms McMillan asked the witness how the night had affected her.
"It was the worst night of my life, by far.
"I thought I was going to die."
Jackson Egerton was in the crush on the stairs at the party.
"I couldn’t stop the pushing from behind", he said.
"The next thing I remember is holding the girl who passed away."
He said she was turning "pale and blue" and he carried her outside and emergency service staff performed CPR on her.
"I was honestly just in shock. Obviously, it was quite a traumatic experience for me", Mr Egerton said.
Mr Crestani teared up while giving a heartfelt thanks to the witness for his attempt to help his daughter.
"Jackson, you picked up our daughter ... you took her outside to try and save her. Thank you."
"Sorry I couldn’t be more help", the witness replied.
"You did everything you could — more than most", Mr Crestani replied.
Miss Crestani’s parents said while representing themselves in court was challenging, speaking to witnesses who attended the party was a cathartic experience.
"Some of them have carried some terrible guilt and anxiety around that night and so I think probably being able to talk to us in front of us has helped them in some way", Ms McMillan said.
She felt the end of the inquest meant her daughter could finally rest in peace.
Counsel for police Richard Smith said Miss Crestani’s parents were "truly solution-driven".
"Sophia’s family could rightfully feel bitter and angry ... They’ve given no indication of that whatsoever", he said.
Many witnesses agreed student bars in north Dunedin would help to ease and manage harm.
Organisations such as the university, the city council and police would continue working together to make the city a safer place for students.
Interested parties have an opportunity to make final written submissions to the coroner, then they will play the waiting game.
It will be months before the final judgement is delivered.
Witnesses’ interim name suppression will lapse 10 days after the coroner’s final judgement unless an application for final suppression is granted.
Although the courtroom was filled with sadness this week, it was overflowing with love for Miss Crestani.
"I feel that Sophia has remained with us this week", Ms McKenzie said.
Mr Crestani was pleased that his daughter’s death was used as a cautionary tale for alcohol harm prevention.
"She has a new job to do ... and we hope she has a very long life through that", he said.
felicity.dear@odt.co.nz , PIJF court reporter
