A Coroner has ruled that a head-on crash near Geraldine in August 2024, which killed four young Korean skiers, was caused by their coach, 23-year-old Bum-Hee Cho, crossing the centre line.
Cho, along with teammates Junwoo Park, 24, and Sangseo Kim, 16, died at the scene, while 17-year-old Hyunseo Han later died from complications after months of treatment.
None of the men were wearing seatbelts, and the Coroner found their injuries were “considerably more severe” as a result, with loose ski equipment in the van possibly worsening impacts.
The group, in New Zealand for training and competition, was travelling in convoy when Cho’s obstructed view led to a misjudgment and fatal collision with an oncoming Toyota Surf.
While fatigue may have played a role, speed and alcohol were ruled out as factors. The Coroner emphasised the life-saving importance of seatbelt use, urging all motorists to wear them to reduce the risk of death or injury.
Image credit: Therese Mikkelsen Skaar
