Jimmy Schick Cambridge NZ Death and Obituary – The town of Cambridge, located in the Waikato region of New Zealand, is grappling with the aftermath of two devastating tragedies that occurred over the Mother’s Day weekend. The sudden and untimely deaths of 15-year-old Nevaeh Ngamoki-Porter and 10-year-old Jimmy Schick have left the community in shock, with families shattered and residents coming together to support one another through this unimaginable grief.
On Sunday, the life of Nevaeh Ngamoki-Porter, a Year 10 student at Rototuna Junior High School in Hamilton, was tragically cut short. She passed away from injuries sustained in a house fire that erupted two days earlier, on the evening of Friday, May 7. Nevaeh, described as a bright and promising student with a future full of potential, was loved by her friends, classmates, and teachers. Her untimely death has left a profound void in the school and broader community. The school sent a heartfelt letter to parents to inform them of the tragedy, and a wave of sorrow spread across the community as they mourned the loss of a young life taken far too soon.
The same day, an even greater tragedy struck the Schick family, well-known in the region for their prominence in the thoroughbred racing industry. Jimmy Schick, a beloved student at Kaipaki School, was fatally injured in an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) accident on a rural property on French Pass Road in Karāpiro, a town situated just outside Cambridge. His father, Rodney Schick, who is a director of the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Board, was critically injured in the accident, and two others, including Jimmy’s brother, sustained varying degrees of injury.
Emergency responders, including the Auckland Westpac Helicopter team, were called to the scene of the ATV crash in a remote, hilly area, which made rescue operations particularly difficult. The helicopter was used to winch Rodney Schick from the scene, which was 40 feet below ground level. At the time of the crash, none of the individuals involved in the accident were reportedly wearing helmets, which may have contributed to the severity of their injuries. The Schick family’s loss, combined with the injuries sustained by Rodney and others, has left the community in a state of disbelief.
Waipā Mayor Susan O’Regan expressed her heartache over the tragedies, describing the combined loss as “almost unbearable.” She noted that the timing of these accidents, occurring on Mother’s Day, added a layer of poignancy to the grief, as the day is typically one of celebration and joy for families. In an emotional statement, Mayor O’Regan urged the community to come together and provide support to the grieving families, saying, “There are no words… the grief felt by the community is profound.” She also shared that she had held her children tighter than usual, a sentiment echoed by many in the town.
In the wake of the ATV crash, Kaipaki School, where Jimmy Schick was a student, has expressed its deep sorrow. Principal Kim Budd and Board Chair Lisette Balsom issued a statement acknowledging Jimmy as a much-loved student and offering their condolences to the injured family members. The Ministry of Education has deployed a trauma team to assist staff and students in coping with the shock and loss.
The Schick family, known not only for their involvement in thoroughbred racing but also for their charitable contributions to the Cambridge and Waikato communities, has requested privacy during this difficult time. Despite their grief, the community of Cambridge has rallied around them, with neighbors and friends gathering to offer their support. Mayor O’Regan, who is also familiar with the risks of rural life, emphasized the unpredictability of such accidents, especially in the context of farming and ATV use.
The collective sorrow in Cambridge serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the strength of community in times of crisis. As families and friends mourn the tragic losses of Nevaeh and Jimmy, the people of Cambridge are finding solace in one another, demonstrating the resilience that defines their town.
In this time of profound loss, Cambridge residents are reminded of the importance of coming together in unity, offering support to those suffering the most, and recognizing the bravery of those who risk their lives in the line of duty, including emergency responders who are always ready to act in times of need.