The death of an 18-year-old man who lost control of his motorcycle in sand dunes behind Tokerau Beach on Sunday afternoon has been referred to the coroner.
He was Regan Grbic, originally of Kaitaia but living in Whangarei.
The teenager, one of a number of riders, had been airborne for some distance before landing badly, a police spokesman said. He suffered what were believed to be major internal injuries.
Northland Electricity Rescue Helicopter paramedics spent about an hour trying to stabilise Mr Grbic before flying him to Whangarei Hospital, where he died shortly after arrival. The spokesman added that he had been wearing "all the gear", including a helmet.
The Whangarei Motorcycle Club has paid tribute to Mr Grbic, describing him as a "wonderful young man" on the club's Facebook page.
"It is an honour to Whangarei Motorcycle Club to have had Regan as a member. He was known and loved by all his motocross brothers. He was an awesome guy, kind and generous. He will be terribly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Linda and Mike and all his family. RIP (Ride in Paradise) Regan."
- Kristin Edge of the Northern Advocate
