The atmosphere was sombre yesterday at accommodation near Alexandra where a Chinese orchard worker was staying before being fatally hit by a car this week.
Emergency services responded on Thursday about 5.45pm after reports a pedestrian had been hit by a car on State Highway 8, near Airport Rd.
The man died at the scene.
His friend, Thomas Wong, said he dropped the man off on Thursday afternoon on the opposite side of the road to Lyngveien Homestead, where they were both staying, after they finished a day of orchard work.
"I drove to Alexandra to buy food and when I came back, about 45 minutes later, there was a roadblock here.
"It was so sad. When I left I had no idea this would happen and I came back and saw his body."
The two met at the orchard.
"I’m from Hong Kong, he was from China. We began talking because we spoke the same language."
In a statement, police said they would not release the man’s name yet as they were working with his consulate to locate and notify his next of kin.
Earnscleugh orchard owner Bill Forrest said the man worked for him for about a month, pruning and picking.
"He was very pleasant, he always showed up and worked away."
He was 23 years old and had travelled extensively, he said.
Lyngveien Homestead owner Andrea Pyle said the atmosphere there was "very sombre" after the incident.
"Everybody was really shocked. It was horrible.
"He was a lovely boy, very nice and polite. He hadn’t been here for long."
Police said investigations into the fatality were continuing.
The driver of the vehicle involved was from Central Otago and was being supported by friends and Victim Support.
"Police have spoken to a number of witnesses, and that — along with an examination of the crash scene — has helped clarify what has occurred.
"Speed and alcohol were not believed to be factors in this crash."
