Craig Stevens died from Hurricane Gabrielle

The Storm Gabrielle which plagued the northern islands of New Zealand since last weekend and left a trail of destruction, which also claimed the lives of two firefighters.

One of them, craig stevensis a rider of bmx who in the 2000s made an impact with his performances in the freestyle championship and was a benchmark in United Kingdom for young riders.

Stevens grew up in South Africa before moving on Bristol board (United Kingdom) where he built his entire sports career. When he retired from competition he went to live New Zealandwith his wife Lucy by whom he had two children, kind of(6), and Thai, (4). Since 2018, he is a volunteer firefighter and has participated in many actions to support fires.

Caught by a landslide

Stevens and his companion dave van zwanenberg They tried to dig a ditch behind a woman’s house Motutara Rd, Muriwai Beach (Auckland), on Monday night to divert water after several residents called 911 about the flooding.

As the couple worked, a giant chunk of hillside gave way on top of them, flooding the property with a mountain of mud mixed with debris and logs.

Emergency teams found Stevens and he was taken to the hospital in critical condition. At the same time, they had to suspend the search for other firefighters due to the instability and danger of the terrain. On Wednesday afternoon they found the lifeless body of Van Zwanenberg.

Unfortunately, the medical team couldn’t do anything Stevens who passed away Thursday night surrounded by loved ones at the hospital.

The brigade, destroyed

the companions of Dave and Craig They show their respect for the deaths of two firefighters in one act. Remind them Dave as a friend who “has used this multifaceted skill set in his profession as a veterinarian, where so many have benefited from his care, and in his personal pursuits as a pilot, kiteboarder, and ultramarathon runner.”

In the event they reminded Stevens and a fire spokesman said it was a frightening reminder of the dangers firefighters and those involved in emergency response are exposed to every day while protecting and supporting others.

“I have received messages of condolence for the tragic loss of our firefighters from various quarters and I endorse the words of our minister. Barbara Edmonds where we thank the families for sharing their loved ones with all New Zealanders and are indebted to them.

And he added that “Craig and Dave they died helping others, working with their teammates for the benefit of their community. While we mourn them both, we will think of them with pride.”