Blenheim honeymooner killed by boat in Fiji
Becky's friends and family say the only comfort they have at this traumatic time was that Becky's last few days were the happiest of her life and she had caught up with her loved ones either in person or by phone as they congratulated her on her wedding. A close school friend Jane Bamfield, whose family hosted Becky's wedding reception, said Becky "went out on top".
"She couldn't have been on more of a high time in her life. (It was the) best time of her life." Becky's parents, Heather Richards and Mark Crawley, her sister Rachael Richards and members of Hayden's family have flown to Fiji to be with Hayden and to bring Becky home. Becky was the eldest of five children. Her other sister Nicky and brothers Tim and Nicholas have remained in New Zealand and are being supported by family and friends.
Becky attended Marlborough Girls' College and went on to Canterbury University to study a Bachelor of Commerce then headed overseas to the United Kingdom and various other locations for two years before returning to Blenheim for work. For the past year she worked at Mark Stevenson First National Real Estate in residential sales. Becky's immediate family have requested that their privacy to be respected at this time, but asked Becky's school friends Jane Bamfield and Michelle Cassidy to talk about her. The women said their friend was loyal, happy, strong and "a real social butterfly".
"Her laugh was infectious. She would laugh and you would laugh at her laugh. (She was) one of the most bubbly people you would have ever met," Jane said. It was not uncommon for Becky to be photographed with her mouth mid-flight, she said. Jane said Becky and Hayden were engaged on Marlborough Anniversary Day last year. They had been together about two years but had been friends for many more.She said Becky looked "absolutely gorgeous" for the wedding at Hayden's sister's house in Blenheim and was the life of the party at the reception that was held in Jane's family's orchard. She got everyone up dancing and looked like she was having the time of her life. She said it was like Hayden and Becky had been together for years. "She was happier with Hayden than we have ever seen her … They were so in love."
An animal lover, Becky and Hayden enjoyed walking her black labrador Henry and her corgi cross Daisy, Michelle said. "They were her babies," Michelle said recalling a time two car loads of friends went to Onamalutu with a packed lunch and when they got there, there was a sign saying "no dogs" so Becky made them all pack up and go somewhere else because the dogs could not stay with them.
Becky was an organiser among their friends, always getting people together to play sport or at school, be involved in theatre. Jane said friends would continue Becky's tradition of hosting a "Bubbles with Becky" evening on her Christmas Eve birthday, by getting together for "Bubbles for Becky."
posted by David Wilson at
3:13 AM
58 Comments:
Dearest Becky Lou. Thank you for they way you made me giggle with you, just like we were little girls. I would give anything to take your place. The world just doesnt sparkle the same without you. M.
You are the light of my life, my Darling Rebecca. No father could love a daughter more, no father could be prouder. Prouder of your beauty, your loving heart, your wonderful intelligence, your laughter, your zest for life, from the top of your blonde head to the tip of your beautiful toes. Until the day that we meet again, alway and always and always I love you, your Dad xxoo
What such a tragedy. My heart goes out to you and your respective families. God Bless Her Soul.
It saddens us to hear of your loss and to realise that the stories we heard on the news was of yourselves. Although we didn't know Rebecca we knew Hayden from his bowling history as he came down to Christchurch for the Canterbury Open for a few years.
Our thoughts are with you through this difficult time.
Aleck Pons + Staff
Manager Garden City Bowl
To Mark and family
I work for Michael Brown (A J Park) and have spoken to Mark on the phone a few times. I would just like to pass on my sincere condolences to Rebecca's family at this very tragic time. My thoughts are with you all.
Janet Lord
I loved you so much sweetheart and I miss you terribly.Its the little things I'm going to miss the most. When you were younger you said "reach for the moon and if you miss, at least you end up among the stars" - when I look up in the sky, you are the brightest star of all beaming down upon us.
Bec I can't believe you have left me so early in life. I thought we would be two sisters that would grow old together and I would have many years to think of the perfect words to say to you and about you when you finally left this world. I was so proud of you and looked up to you, you were such a great role model and I love you so much! I know you're gone but you will always be my beautiful big sister and you will be in my heart for now and forever. I hope you're happy where ever you are and don't worry, i'll take great care of my wonderful big brother Hayden. Love always, your baby sister Rach xoxo
we were saddened to hear the loss of Rebecca,we didnt know her very long but she was lovely please accept our depest sympathy the rodger family
beck we only had one season together but what a season. I will miss your big smile and warm wellcome at the courts on those cold days, and also your tails of nip tuck at practise. you are a beautiful person body and soul and my thought are with hayden and family
forever 26
forever missed
love jo
To the pretty lady in Pink.
You said to me in a card "will miss you heaps", now I say it back to you!
As a workmate you left an impression on me... such a fun girl planning her life with her man!
Miss you always.
xxx Nicky
i feel for you, guys.
what a shame.
such a massive waste of life.
a beautiful woman. a beautiful couple. a huge waste. hayden - mate.... sorry, man.
rebecca - god bless.
Hayden,
I will never forget those three smiling faces appearing from the crowd following a Mako’s game in Blenheim. There was yourself, sister Deanne and a most gorgeous blonde beauty with a mile wide smile you so proudly introduced as Rebecca, your fiancée. It was a privilege to have met her & to see you both so happy.
It truly saddens our hearts to hear this news, especially when you are one of the special people who have touched our own lives.
Both Linda & I send our most heartfelt condolences to, Rebecca’s family, you & your family & your friends.
Lex Bloomfield.
Becky,
I will never forget your beautiful smile. Every time you walked into our house you always had a gorgeous smile. You have been such a true friend to Chell. I have always thought of you and the girls like older sisters, you have always looked out for me and made me and my family part of your life. I will never forget you and you will be in my heart forever. xxx Tan(bub).
Dear Hayden, We did not know you, but we we're on the island celebrating our 30th anniversary. We we're in transit from the middle boat to the Catamaran, we could hear your cry of pain. The middle boat had 4 couples leaving for the main island and 3 employees and a small child.
Our prayers are with you
Lise and Joseph from Canada
Hayden
Although I did not know Rebecca other than from school, you picked her to be your wife and so she was special indeed. This time of loss must be harder than words can ever say but I hope you take comfort in the wonderful memories of your time together and the special day that was your wedding.
Hayden & Family,
Our thoughts are with you at this sad time, We are grateful to have met Rebecca at your wedding and to see you both so happy.
We can't be there tomorrow but will be thinking of you all and hope you find some comfort in the memories of Rebecca that are yours to cherish forever.
Love -
Rowan and Amanda Stockwell
On behalf of the Bentley family I would like to express our deepest sympathy to Hayden, Mark, Heather and all the Crawley and Stockwell families and friends of Becky and Hayden.
To Becky & her family
Our hearts go out to you all @ the very sad & tragic loss of Becky. Becky, we had heard so much about you from your step-mum Prue (who is our much-loved work colleague) We shared with her the excitement of your wedding plans, your special day and those gorgeous photos; and then tragically the news of your death on your honeymoon. What a beauiful young women you were :-). Rest peacefully Becky xx
To my dear friend Mark and family…I hope you have comfort in knowing that you will always have the memories, your heart will always be infected with the joy of having had Rebecca in your life. Although there are no words or things that will make sense of any of this. You must believe that one day you will see her again and she will be waiting and watching from heaven, pretty in pink. Forever 26.
Jayne Fastman
Hayden,
Although I didn't have the privilege of knowing Rebecca, the stories and comments I have read show she was someone with a beautiful soul who will be greatly missed.
My thoughts are with you and your family during this tragically sad time.
I am so sorry for your loss,such a awful sad thing to happen.May GOD be with you all.Safe in Jesus arms now.Bless you all.
Hayden, words can not express how sorry I am. My thoughts, love and prayers goes out to you at this time. I have a small memory of how happy you made her right from the start, when she was living in Christchurch I remember her being constantly attached to her cell phone and every now and then a huge smile would burst across her face we all knew exactly who the text was from without needing to ask. I never saw her happier than when she was with you.
To Beck's wonderful family, my heart truly goes out to you all. I have never met such a strong willed and compassionate person in my life as your Becky.
To my beautiful Becky Boo, every memory I have makes me smile, I consider myself truly blessed to have had the experience of being your friend. You were the big sister I never had always looking out for me, and that smile of yours was the sun on a cloudy day. You’re irreplaceable and will live on forever in my heart.
I love you so much
Lauren xx
Mark
Words will never express the loss you feel although your email has brought me to tears. Your passion and love of your children was always very evident to me and having been privileged enough to meet them I can understand the sentiment you express so eloquently.
The last time I met Rebecca she was halfway through her round the world trip and I was not expecting her to be there. Any room could not have been more vibrant than that room on that day as Rebecca filled it with her obvious happiness.
It is a devastating loss for all who were privileged enough to have met her and an even greater loss for those who were yet to meet her, they just do not know it.
It will be of little comfort at the moment but Hadyn will know the short time he and Rebecca had together will be everlasting in his memory.
Please know that our thoughts are with you and your family. The world is a darker place without the light Rebecca brought to it.
With sincere love and best wishes,
Sue, Mark and Matthew Helmich
and everyone at GX in Wales
I knew Rebecca from Marlborough Girls' College. She was always such a friendly person and always wore a big smile. Most of all she was kind to everyone. Such a tragic loss. My deep condolences to Rebecca's family and friends.
Jodi
Hayden,
Although it has been many years since we have spoken, I heard the news and was deeply saddened. I am a newlywed myself and know what a special time it is. My best wishes are with you and your family at this time.
Hannah Blake (nee Stone) - former Waikato tenpin bowler.
I knew becky from uni days and also through family friends. She was such a positive, smiling person who never let anything get in her way. It saddens me to know she has passed on, however was great to see her family and friends celebrating her wedding prior. Rest in peace forever26!
to hayden dee and families,
my heart goes out to you all. i only met rebecca a couple of times, but gosh what a lovely lady, her smile, her sparkle, her laughter, and her obvious love for you hayden, a shame to lose such a beautiful person.
A tragedy that will never be fergottan.A beautiful girl that will always be remembered.
Even though I do not know Rebecca or the family, the picture of her on her wedding night shows a young beautiful girl in love that deserves much more life.
She has touched my heart, & will touch many more.
My blessings go out to Hayden and her family,
Isabella(L);
Bec I had only known you a short while but what i knew of you was awsome. I remember seeing you hungover inside Mcdonalds and I was waiting for my order in my car and we were chatting away and laughing through the window about the vodka exeperience and how great your night had been, even if you were feeling rather seedy after.
I remember saying to you "how do you manage to look so stunning all the time even when your hungover"
Rebecca you were a fantastic person, bright, beautiful and amazing. You will always be in our hearts and minds and hoping you have a special angel watching over you. I just can't believe it mate I would do anything to turn back the clock for you, hayden,family and friends. love sarah xoxo
Rebecca we were only just getting to know each other properly this year but I am so grateful to have been given this chance. I was sat here thinking of the time you were in McDonalds and I was in my car in the drive thru and we were laughing and chatting about what a great night you had out the previous night and discussing vodka. Even though you were feeling rather seedy I can remember saying to you "how do you manage to look to stunning no matter what you have been doing"?
I admired you so much Bec, you were truly an inspirational person, I still can’t believe it. You will always be in my heart and thoughts. I just wish I could turn the clock back for you, Hayden , family and friends. I am sure you are being looked after by a special angel. Lots of love Sarah
Hayden,
Although we have not seen you for many years, we were still devastated to hear of your tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Tracy and Steve Clarke
Wellington
I will always remember her booming laugh.
Her appetite for shoes and champagne.
Her value placed on family and her friends.
Her headstong tendencies.
Her straight talking ability.
Her sense of humour.
Her tenacity for life.
She was taken too soon from us -such a tragedy and will not be forgotten.
Hayden - what a tragedy, taken so soon from a wonderful life you had together. Although I never knew Becky, I am glad you had found someone special to share your love,and your life with. Taken so soon, memories last a life time Hayden, so treasure them deep in your heart.
Although I havent seen you or spoken to you in many years, I was saddened to hear that it was your wife and yourself that had made the news. Take care Hayden, our thoughts go out to you and your family.
Michele xoxo
We met Rebecca once, when she showed a house to us while she was at Century 21. We didn't know either of you, or your families, but we are from Blenheim. Yours is a terribly tragic story and I cannot help but tear up whenever I read about your loss. It's no comfort just now I am sure, but I hope that in the future you and your families can find some comfort knowing that Rebecca will now be in a wonderful place, missing you all, but with others who love her and will look out for her until such time that you are reunited.
Beck
You'll forever be in my heart, you have done more for me than I can express and I wish I had thanked you for it. I will miss you so very much but will love you always. Shine on beautiful babe...
My sincere condolences go out to Hayden, Deanne and families...I am deeply saddened to hear of the tragic loss of Bec - an absolutely beautiful woman...my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this painful time...lots of love to you all xxx Grace Simpson
Dearest Becky,
You came into my life nearly 20 years ago - I can still remember vividly the huge smile on your face as you leapt from the steps of the plane into your father's arms full of joy and love.
The last time I saw you was briefly at the airport on your way to Fiji- the smile was as large as ever and the joy and love and happiness in your face was beautiful, as ever.
I will miss the friendship we shared, the fun we had and having you as part of my family. Nicholas and I love you and miss you so very much.xx
Becky..
When we moved to Blenhiem and i started playing nettball, you were the first person that i really connected with.
The way you always had an amazing smile on your face and something to laugh about will stay with me forever, along with the fun times we had down the end of that nettball court together.
The memory i will always remember was the night the girls went out to dinner and we laughed till we almost cried, and you spoke pf your wedding plans to hayden.
Hayden... Both Aaron and I are so very sorry for your loss , your wife was an amazing special person who will be dearly missed
Aaron and Rachael Judd.
Bec,
From the moment I first met you, I was struck with your awesome personality and vibrance, it was a true pleasure to know and work with you. It was only a couple of years (Harcourts Grenadier, Christchurch) but I always anticipated the time when I would run into you again and hear of your latest successes. I'm so sorry and sad, that that time never came. Your absence will leave a gaping void in the lives of all who knew and loved you but in memory will you will always be larger than life. Bless you Babe, we'll all cherish our wonderful memories of you.
My thoughts are with all who grieve you. May the love they shared with you, comfort them forever.
XXX
To my dearest Bec,
I don't even know where to start! Your everlasting friendship has meant the world to me. You truely are a remarkable person and you will always hold a very special place in my heart. Until we meet again I love you always Sara xxxooo
To Hayden and Becky's family. My thoughts are with you all. I have known Becky from high school onwards, but have mostly known Hayden from my teen years onwards, and got to know Becky even better when I had been told of their engagement from Hayden. Hayden, you both looked very happy and in-love together, and I just feel terrible for you and all of Becky's family for the sudden loss of Becky's life... it is un-fair and un-justified. The times that I have known and chatted with Becky have been lovely, she always had a real spirit about her, and such a beautiful smile, and I can't even imagine the pain and sorrow that Hayden and all of you are going through to this day. I was unfortunately not able to make both the wedding or the celebration of Becky's life, due to being away from Blenheim on both occasions, however, I would like to let you know that me and all of my family were and are still thinking of you all throughout. I will be around to visit you Hayden, to give you a big hug... Michelle and Emma pass their love on too. My love goes out to you all. Bec Smith. xox
I didn't know Rebecca or the family personally. However, it's hard to imagine that such a beautiful lively girl is no more. My deepest sympathies to the family, may you find solace in her memories..and may Rebecca rest in peace.
I worked at First National with Bec.
When Becs first started we did a campaign for her which used an illustration I created of her.
I told her we would need a photo of her for me to base the illustration on. She told me that wasn't going to be easy as all of her photos had her mouth wide open!!
She found one and we created an illustration! I thought at the time it was a pretty good likeness. She wasn't so sure, she just cracked up when she first saw it! I'm still not sure if she only used it due to politeness, cause I'd spent ages doing it!
I only worked with Bec for about 7 months - but we had some really good conversations about her wedding, Hayden, the dogs and family and her future dreams.
I left First National in October - she wanted to throw a leaving bash for me - which I declined due to a lack of babysitters. She thought that was very tragic not to have a party under the circumstances!!
That was Bec's - making everyone happy and have a great time!
I also remember the time she asked me to fill-in for her indoor netball team. When I told her I hadn't played for 20 years she said "Oh well that's alright then, you're excused, we're not that desperate!!" - and cracked up laughing!
Her passing has had a major effect on me - and I've been very surprised at my reaction to it - I'd only known Bec's for a short while. But I think about her every single day, tears come easily.
Sometimes I'll be driving down the road and something will trigger a memory of her. Sometimes I hear her laugh in my mind, and it makes me well up - again. The memories make me laugh and cry at the same time!
I only knew the work side of Becs really, and she was a great lady! Very ambitious and professional, I couldn't believe how confident she was for her age. She was so at-ease with people. She had a great dedication to her family. She talked about you all a lot.
I thought I might send you a copy of the illustration if you wanted it. I will have to get it off First National though, as my copy seems to have vanished into thin air.
Thanks for setting up the website, it has been great to be able to read the articles, and see the photos. It all helps.
Take care,
Nicky Meadowcroft
Michelle Sharpe (Ayson) said
Dearest Becky
It deeply saddens me that we are not going to you again. Your wonderful personality and especially your beautiful giggle and smile, I am going to miss the most. A trip to Blenheim just won’t be the same. You looked absolutely gorgeous and so very happy on your wedding day. My deepest sympathy to all the family.
Love forever Michelle Sharpe (Ayson)xox
We didn't know Rebecca or Hayden but we were staying on the island at the same time. We were on our honeymoon too, and my heart goes out to you Hayden. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. After reading the articles, she sounds like an amazing woman, cherish the memories. Thoughts are with you.
Kelvin & Michelle, NZ
Hayden
Sorry to hear of your loss of Rebecca she was a loving and caring young lady with a heart of gold.She was great to work with at the Supermarkt 12 years ago in Blenheim.With the love of your family and friends you will get through this some how.Take care.
Ondrea Clarkson(Byrne)
I cannot imagine how terrible it must feel to lose someone under these circumstances. My wife and I honeymooned in Fiji in December, and were shocked to hear about this terrible incident. It just goes to show that you simply cannot always trust people to do the right thing, and that while in the ocean one must be constantly aware of one's surroundings - both above and below water.
Our condolences. Scott and Kerrie, Australia.
We were there at the time of the accident and will never forget Rebecca. Such a tragic loss of a beautiful girl.
Rebecca, you are in my thoughts every day and inspire me to live a better life so I can live it for you also.
Rest in peace.
Ayla & Stuart
I was very saddened to read of the loss of Rebecca and in such a tragic, senseless way, I, myself do not know Rebecca or the respective families, but my heart goes out to them, I loss my older sister almost 2 years ago to brain cancer, completely different circumstances I know, but a loss that is hard to bear let alone cope with, knowing that your loved one is not there to share your life with.
Rest in Peace, Rebecca.
Nancy
Dear Mark, Heather, Hayden and family,
My name is Amberley and my husband and I were honeymooning at Matamanoa during the time your daughter Becky was tragically killed. We know that this must be a difficult time for you, as it was a year ago that you lost her.
My husband and I were married on the same day your daughter was married, and honeymooned at Matamanoa at the same time as Becky and Hayden. The day Becky died must have been so difficult for Hayden, and of course the rest of the family. Please know that at the time that some of the guests that were aware of the incident were told (including the Doctor staying at the resort that helped your daughter), we were all shocked, saddened, and angry that such an event could occur. Your website dedicated to improving boat safety in Fiji is so important and we hope that it leads to such a devastating event ever happening again.
As your daughter should have, we recently celebrated our first wedding anniversary. During this time of happiness for us, the death of your daughter is never far from our minds. We think and pray for your family at this difficult time.
Thinking of you,
Amberley and David
Hello Mark, Just something I"ve wanted to say since Rebecca's accident, but as I only knew Rebecca for such a short time I felt that I should wait. I work at Harcourts in Christchurch as a Real Estate agent and got to know Rebecca well. I have 2 daughters and 3 years ago went off to Aussie with my wife for 9 days. I asked Rebecca to look after my kids and stay in the house while we were away--which she did, and proved to be a huge hit with my girls--17 and 10 which they were then. I say that I totally trusted Rebecca and enjoyed her company, her special sense of humour--or rather zany--and her intelligent way of dealing with problems. Although it was Real Esate related, she immediately struck me as someone special. I then convinced my wife who was a little circumspect, by telling her that Rebecca was the one to leave our kids with, no question, as we had a really good relationship at work and also away from work in a trusting and enjoyable way. A magic young woman who I won't forget, even though I only knew her while she worked with us at Harcourts. I don't trust people easily, I was a sec school teacher for 14 years and met many wonderful students and know a gem when I see one!-- Rebecca was very very special which is probably why my eldest daughter checks out the forever26 site regularly and I often think about her quips, her sense of humour and her inability to close her mouth and not expose her abundance of pearly white teeth-- and that amazing smile. An amazing young lady, beautiful in every sense of the word. Geoff
Dear Mark,
A few weeks ago, I was surfing the web and came across the forever26 website. The story behind this website is tragic beyond words. It just so happened that I was going on my honeymoon to Matamanoa the following week. During my stay there, I was more carful than ever and took very few risks... Discovering the site made me more aware of the hidden dangers these exotic places hide. Thank you for putting out your web site and share the story. I could save other lives, maybe it already even saved mine.
sincerely,
Evi
Rebecca
I knew you when you were a little girl when I was boarding with you and your Mum, Heather, and your little sister in Picton. A long time ago now.
I have only just realised that I knew the Rebecca Stockwell who was killed in 2007 - it's just that I knew you when you were so young. You were such a darling girl then - looking after your little sister, giving your Mum such lovely hugs, and smiling and laughing and making the house come alive.
Dear little girl. My thoughts are with all who were touched and affected by your life and your early death.
Sara Meade (nee Crompton)
Becky two years have passed since you were taken from us.forever loved forever missed, Those you love don't fade away they walk beside you everyday. love Denise & George
So sad to hear read in Womens Day magazine for a school project. She sounded like such a good woman and such fun.
We feel your pain
xxoo
Dear Hayden/Mark,
I am so sorry to hear about Rebecca, I did not know her but she sounded like a very nice lady. I hope the people who killed her get what they deserve.
God bless her sole.
From Ella Parkinson
Martinborough New Zealand
Dear Mark/Hayden
so sorry to hear :(
she sounded like a really nice lady!
I read Rebecca's article in a Womens Day magazine and nearly started crying!
I hope the people who killed her were punished fair and square!
we feel your pain!
God bless her soul and rest in peace Rebecca
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