Promising Law Student Killed in South Island Crash on Way Back to University

A bright and ambitious law student, Tessa Elizabeth Macintosh Sheild, 20, has been tragically killed in a crash on State Highway 1 near Moeraki Boulders in the South Island. She was on her way back to the University of Otago to begin her second semester when the accident occurred on Sunday afternoon. She was critically injured and rushed to Dunedin Hospital, but she succumbed to her injuries on Tuesday morning.

A Star Student with Big Dreams

Tessa was described by her employer, Liquorland Leith Street, as an intelligent, driven, and passionate young woman who was already making her mark in the legal field. She was actively involved in various law groups at the university and had set her sights on a successful legal career.

Donna Hogg, the general manager at Liquorland, shared heartfelt memories of Tessa, saying, “She was more than actively involved in all the law groups… She set herself some pretty high goals.” Tessa had worked part-time at Liquorland for over two and a half years, where she had formed strong bonds with her coworkers. “She was a force to be reckoned with,” Hogg said. “She was more involved in any group than she needed to be involved in, and she was a big sister to lots of younger staff.”

A Sad Loss for Her Community

Tessa had returned home for the university holidays and was eager to get back to her studies before the new term began. Her manager, Hogg, recalled the moment she received the devastating news: “It’s still pretty raw… she was a good kid, she was going places… she was too young, it was too soon.”

Police are still investigating the cause of the crash, but early reports suggest that Tessa may have been fatigued. “She was just so keen to get back to uni… in a bit of a hurry maybe… I think that’s what they’ve put it down to,” Hogg said.

The tragedy has left a deep void in the hearts of her friends, colleagues, and family. Liquorland has offered counseling to all staff who knew Tessa, and the team is struggling to cope with the loss. “She was a great friend to many,” Hogg said. “She was full of beans, full of life, full of energy and heading places… There are lots of people reeling… It’s a very, very sad loss.”

A Double Tragedy for Dunedin

Tessa’s death has come as a double blow for many in Dunedin. Just days before, another young man, Jock Davies, 21, was killed in a hunting accident on Stewart Island. Hogg said, “There are a couple of tragedies in a week – that’s a lot to contend with.”

Sheild’s death has left a massive void in the lives of those who knew her. “How do you fill that?” Hogg asked, emphasizing the profound impact of the loss on her family and friends.

As the community mourns, many are asking how such a promising young life could be cut short so suddenly. Tessa’s story is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of being present in the moments that matter most.