Whatawhata man identified as pedestrian killed in Pukete crash
Thursday 8 October 2026 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated 
Police have named 25-year-old Jaeger Hemara as the pedestrian who died following a vehicle crash on Church Road in Pukete. The incident occurred around 9.45pm on 26 September. A teenager has since been charged with manslaughter in relation to the crash.
Key facts
4 facts
- Jaeger Hemara, 25, died in a vehicle and pedestrian crash on September 26
- The crash occurred on Church Rd in Pukete, Hamilton, around 9.45pm
- A 19-year-old from Rototuna has been charged with manslaughter and failing to stop
- The Serious Crash Unit examined the scene at Church Rd, Moreland Ave, and Balmerino Cres
The full story
1 min read · 3 outlets
Police have identified the pedestrian killed in a Hamilton crash last month as 25-year-old Jaeger Hemara from Whatawhata. The incident occurred on Church Rd in Pukete at approximately 9.45pm on September 26. Hemara died at the scene of the crash.
A 19-year-old from Rototuna, who is currently under interim name suppression, has been charged with manslaughter. This individual also faces a charge of failing to stop to ascertain injury following a crash in which someone was killed.
The Serious Crash Unit examined the scene, which was cordoned off at the intersections of Church Rd with Moreland Ave and Balmerino Cres. Police stated that their thoughts are with the loved ones of the deceased.
Investigations into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
Where reports differ
- One report identifies the victim as Jaegar Thomas Hemara-Glasgow, while others list him as Jaeger Hemara
Compiled from reports by Waikato Times, Stuff and NZ Herald.
