Fundraising takes off for gang member’s headstone

A crowdfunding campaign has raised thousands of dollars to buy a headstone for a patched gang member who died following a high-speed police pursuit last year.

The family of Black Power member Phillip Allan Taylor has garnered $3600 since launching a Givealittle page, named ‘‘Help Phill Get The Headstone He Deserves’’, only two weeks ago.

The fundraising drive aims to buy a headstone for the 32-year-old before the anniversary of his death in May.

A number of donors have left messages on the website, in remembrance of a ‘‘very special man’’. There was no fundraising goal stated on the page; however, an average price for a standard headstone is between $2000 and $4000.

Taylor had convictions for the possession and supply of methamphetamine, unlawfully possessing firearms, receiving stolen property and burglary, and served more than 20 prison sentences.

He died after crashing into a power pole on Tarahua Rd, Vogeltown, in New Plymouth on May 7, 2018.

He had been spotted by police driving at excessive speed in a BMW hatchback, which was unregistered and had number plates stolen from a car in Napier.

Police made a failed attempt to stop him about 12.30am and a chase ensued. Shortly afterwards, he collided with the pursuing patrol car on Junction St. The impact disabled the police vehicle and the pursuit was abandoned. A second police patrol car discovered his vehicle on Tarahua Rd where it had slammed into a power pole.

Tributes, including flowers, blue bandannas, a car’s grille and a bottle of beer were later seen at the crash site. The Black Power’s salute ‘‘YOZA’’ and ‘‘RIP’’ were also emblazoned on the replacement concrete power pole.

Taylor’s family was contacted for comment.