The parents of American student Meg Theriault, who remains in a critical condition in hospital, say they are overwhelmed by the messages of support they have received following Saturday's car crash.
Todd and Deb Theriault flew to New Zealand after learning their 21-year-old daughter had suffered a serious head injury, a broken right arm and grazing to her body when the people-mover she was travelling in rolled on SH46 near Turangi.
Her fellow Boston University students Daniela Rosanna Lekhno, Roch Jauberty and Austin Brashears were killed in the crash.
Two other women, aged 20 and 21, remain in Rotorua Hospital in a stable condition.
Early indications were that the vehicle drifted into gravel then overcorrected.
In a statement today, Mr and Mrs Theriault said they were astonished by the many emails, letters and phone calls they had received from the US and New Zealand.
Students at Boston University have held a candlelight vigil and remembrance on campus to pay tribute to their friends.
