PHOTO: SUPPLIEDThe Wānaka man who died after being crushed by his car in his own driveway had just finished jump-starting a visitor’s car for her. Retired Waikoikoi sheep and beef farmer, David Simmers, 85, died last Monday at his Wānaka home in Roche St.Mr Simmers had parked his car to help jump-start the person’s car. Speaking from the family farm in Waikoikoi, now fifth generation, son Jeff Simmers said the accident came as a great shock to the family. The family took heart from the fact their father would have been proud of himself to have helped someone, he said. The Waikoikoi farm having been in the family name for five generations was a strong point of pride for him.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 14, 2026 10:17 UTC