Arthur’s Pass crash victim named

Authorities have identified the motorcyclist who tragically lost his life in a crash near Arthur’s Pass as 54-year-old Paul Wilcock from Kumara.

Wilcock was reported missing after he failed to reach his destination in Christchurch on Friday. It was later discovered that he was found near Punchbowl Falls on the western side of Arthur’s Pass.

Police were able to pinpoint his location using cellphone data, which led to a closure of State Highway 73 for a police operation on Sunday morning. The highway reopened to one lane later that morning.

Investigations are still ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.