Christchurch man identified after fatal Templeton crash
Thursday 10 September 2026 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated 
Police have named 38-year-old Lars Andreas Hartwig as the man who died following a two-vehicle crash in Templeton. The accident occurred on the corner of Kirk Road and West Coast Road on 19 July. Mr Hartwig succumbed to his injuries in hospital two days later.
Key facts
4 facts
- Lars Andreas Hartwig, 38, died on 21 July 2026
- The crash occurred on 19 July 2026 at approximately 4.40pm
- The accident involved two vehicles at the intersection of Kirk Road and West Coast Road/SH73
- Two people were injured in the collision
The full story
1 min read · 3 outlets
Police have identified 38-year-old Lars Andreas Hartwig of Christchurch as the man who died following a crash in Templeton. Mr Hartwig died on Tuesday, 21 July, after being involved in a two-vehicle collision.
The crash occurred on Sunday, 19 July, at approximately 4.40pm. The incident took place at the intersection of West Coast Road and Kirk Road. One report specifies the location as the intersection of State Highway 73 and Kirk Road.
Two people were injured during the accident, including Mr Hartwig, who was in critical condition. Following the crash, State Highway 73 between Yaldhurst and West Melton was closed for seven hours.
“Police extend our thoughts and sympathies to his family and loved ones,” a spokesperson said. Investigations into the circumstances of the crash are continuing.
Where reports differ
- Reports differ on the exact intersection, with one citing West Coast Road and Kirk Road and another citing State Highway 73 and Kirk Road
Compiled from reports by Stuff, NZ Herald and The Press.