Prior to the crash, Balangoda-Arachchige had flown down from Auckland to visit his friend Sanduni Rajapakse.
On the evening of the 28th, the pair had met with Kelly and had gone out drinking at the night clubs in Nelson.
Throughout the course of the evening, Balangoda-Arachchige consumed around eight beers as well as two shots of liqueur.
Later in the night he had an argument with his wife (who was back in Auckland) via text message, and in his impaired state became angry with her and implied he was going to commit suicide.
He then told Kelly and Rajapakse to get into the car, and drove them back towards Tahunanui along Haven Rd.