Community ‘in shock’: Kaikoura teenager dies after serious injury

A close-knit South Island community is in shock after a teenager died from injuries sustained over the weekend.

Kaikoura High School student Sebastian Frost was seriously injured Sunday afternoon on a rural property north of Kaikoura.

Despite efforts to save the 13-year-old boy, his injuries proved fatal.

Today, Kaikoura High School Board Chairman Mark Fissenden said the teenager’s death came as a shock not just to his classmates but to the community at large.

“It is a tragedy for the school and the entire community,” Fissenden said. “And it is a terrible tragedy for the family involved.”

He said there were only 200 students in the high school and they had all endured more trauma than their share of late.

“They have had the earthquakes and Covid and now [lost] one of his companions, “he said.

Kaikoura High School principal John Tait said Sebastian’s death was incredibly sad.

“This has been a great shock and loss for both Kaikoura High School and Kaikoura Suburban School, as well as our community.

“Our condolences to the family,” he said.

Police said they attended an incident on Factory Rd, owned by Hapuku just before 2.30pm after a person was injured.

They were taken to Kaikoura for medical treatment, but sadly they died.

Death will be referred to the coroner.