At 6pm, the trio left Westport to travel to Greymouth in a company vehicle. Brophy, who held a restricted licence, drove. His associate, who held a learner’s licence, sat beside him. Gibbons, who was known as Jake Jones, sat in the back. The night was dark, the weather wet and stormy as Brophy drove the narrow, winding road, Rielly said.
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Gibbons’ former partner described the profound effect losing their father had on their children. As he approached a 45 kilometre per hour advisory sign, Brophy realised he was travelling too fast. The vehicle crossed the centre line and drove onto the grass verge on the other side of the road. The vehicle went through trees and vegetation and rolled three times, ending up in a ditch.