PHOTO: SUPPLIEDA Southland man who killed his friend in a drunken crash made a video before the fatal journey telling police they could "get f.....". During the journey Mr Stephens recorded a video, yelling "we’re running from the cops" as Templeton could be seen crossing the centre line. A couple of kilometres later, Templeton approached a right-hand bend, with a 75kmh speed advisory, at up to 127kmh. Templeton was ejected and ended up unconscious in a ditch, while Mr Stephens landed face down in the field. Members of the public applied first aid until emergency services arrived but Mr Stephens died at the scene.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 23, 2026 22:12 UTC