Teenager in critical condition after falling from moving ute

A 17-year-old girl named Chloe is recovering in hospital after falling from the tray of a moving ute at Himatangi Beach on Monday evening. Emergency services were notified of the incident at approximately 6:05pm or 6:10pm. The accident occurred on the shoreline of the Manawatū beach.

Chloe was airlifted to Wellington Hospital in critical condition and underwent emergency surgery to relieve pressure on her brain caused by a brain bleed and multiple skull fractures. Her parents, Kathy and Kevin, reported that she has shown significant determination in intensive care. She has attempted to sit up, open her eyes, and breathe on her own despite being on a ventilator.

By Thursday, Chloe spoke her first two words to a nurse during the night. Her family noted that while the words were not particularly polite, they demonstrated her cheeky personality. Scans performed on Wednesday showed no changes, which her parents described as reassuring.

A Givealittle page was established to assist with the family's financial burdens. As of the latest reports, the fundraiser has raised between $11,000 and more than $14,000. Police are continuing to make inquiries into the circumstances of the accident.

How it developed

• Thu 15 Oct, 3:56pmChloe spoke her first two words to a nurse in the ICU and has been attempting to sit up and open her eyes.
• Thu 15 Oct, 5:31pmThe Givealittle fundraiser has increased to more than $14,000.

Where reports differ

• The amount raised on the Givealittle page is reported as almost $11,000 in one report and more than $14,000 in another.

Compiled from reports by The Post, Stuff and NZ Herald.