The MP for Waikato made a statement today via his Facebook page.
His sister Katrina Houghton died in the accident on a Waikato farm near Piopio this week.
Van de Molen paid tribute to his sister and thanked those who had helped and supported the family following the tragedy.
‘My youngest sister, Katrina Houghton, was fatally injured in a farm accident near Piopio this week after rolling her quad bike. We’re totally devastated at the loss of an amazing & much loved wife, daughter, mother, sister & aunty. We’ve come together as a family to support each other as best we can – particularly wrapping support around Tom & their boys.
Thanks to the friends & wider community who have chipped in to help us through these incredibly challenging first few days – it’s a fitting reflection of the caring & supportive person she was.’
So sad. I know of another mother who was killed by a quad bike in much the same way years ago. Also on a dairy farm. Just tragic.
I ride quad bikes myself and am very conscious and careful, but it only takes a split second for things to go wrong.
💔