Remembering Aaron and Cruz

Aaron McDonald (37) and his eight year old son Cruz died on 23 January 2017 when the truck and trailer they were in left the road, in storm conditions, and plunged down a 30 metre cliff. The accident occurred on State Highway 2 about five minutes north of Norsewood, New Zealand. Aaron's wife Anah and his six year old son Rome were at home in Gisborne.

Cruz liked to "co-pilot" for his Dad when he could during school holidays and this was his last trip of the Christmas break. Cruz was absolutely mad about trucks and wanted to be a truck driver just like his Dad when he grew up. He was his little brother Rome's best mate and the two were inseparable. Cruz went to Makauri School in Gisborne and was well liked by his classmates and teachers. Just like his Dad, Cruz was easy to love and get on with.

Aaron was loved for his humour, humility and kindness. He adored his wife Anah and their two sons Cruz and Rome. Aaron was known to always bring light of any situation. He got on with whatever life threw at him and did so laughing along the way. He is sorely missed by all who knew him.

The passing of Aaron and Cruz has left a massive hole in the lives of Anah and Rome. Aaron was the main financial provider and Cruz was man of the house when Dad was away. Anah and Rome both spend a lot of time visiting the joint grave site of Aaron and Cruz at Patutahi Cemetary, Gisborne.

We have created this page to support Anah and Rome financially and to fund a unique headstone to remember Aaron and Cruz by.

Some links to the news articles regarding the crash are here:

http://gisborneherald.co.nz/localnews/2637476-135/father-and-son-die-in-crash

http://i.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/national-news/88706821/Father-and-son-were-on-last-truck-ride-of-the-holidays-before-fatal-crash

http://gisborneherald.co.nz/localnews/2637698-135/experienced-driver-four-hours-into-shift