Community reeling from road deaths
Amateur theatre actor’s mum and sister see fatal crash moments after pair die
Amum and her daughter came across a car crash moments after it had claimed the lives of two of their family members. Te Aroha man Peter Swallow and his sister’s partner were in a vehicle that collided with another on State Highway 26 on Saturday.
Te Aroha resident and friend Les Munro said the pair were travelling in a vehicle ahead of other family members when tragedy struck.
Munro said Swallow’s mother, Karen Hendl, and his sister Lisa Swallow arrived soon after the crash happened.
“You can imagine how horrible that was,” he said.
“The people close to the family will be very shocked by what happened.”
Munro said he had directed Swallow, who he said was a “rascal”, in several plays as part of the Te Aroha Dramatic Society.
He said Swallow was “a lovely guy” and a “rascal”, who was involved in many aspects of community life.
“He was a lovely guy who connected very well with people and was involved in everything he could.”
Munro said he directed Swallow in several plays as part of the Te Aroha
Dramatic Society.
Te Aroha Dramatic Society vicepresident John Watson told the Herald that Swallow had been involved with the society for quite a few years.
In a post on its Facebook page, Te Aroha Little Theatre, it said his last role on stage with them was in the play Remain in Light.
“We sadly advise Peter Swallow, who’s acted on our stage a number of times, was one of the two people killed in the car accident between Paeroa and Te Aroha on the weekend.
“Peter’s last acting role with us was ‘Remain in Light’. Karen’s daughter’s partner was also killed.
“Our thoughts go out to the family,” the post read.
A person who performed alongside Swallow said he had been great to have on stage.
“I will remember him as the Italian captain in Allo Allo. So funny, so great to work with.”
Another remembers him as “brilliant” in the role.
Childhood friend James Brodie wrote the pair had known each other since they first appeared in a production when they were at primary
school.
“This one hurts. Peter and I have known each other since we were in single digits on the stage of Future Te Aroha and we’ve been very solid friends ever since.
“Fly high Peter. The spotlight’s shining on you. Step right up and let the music play. Rest in paradise.”
Police said the two-car crash happened at 3.53pm on Saturday.
The highway at Mangaiti was
closed for more than four hours while the Serious Crash Unit investigated.
A Hato Hone St John spokesperson said two people from the other car were airlifted to Waikato Hospital with serious injuries.