Source: Radio New Zealand
Sophia Crestani died at the Dunedin party in 2019. Facebook
The man who rescued people from a fatal stairwell pile up at a Dunedin student party is being recognised for his courageous actions.
University of Otago student Sophia Crestani died at the overcrowded party in October 2019, with a Coroner finding her death was a tragic, but likely preventable accident.
On the night, Samson Aruwa helped to free people from the crowd crush, carrying Crestani away from the pile.
The Commissioner of police, Richard Chambers, will present a Certificate of Appreciation to Aruwa on Thursday with Crestani’s parents and others in attendance.
Aruwa demonstrated exceptional courage, calmness, and leadership on the night, police said.
He was a pallbearer at Crestani’s funeral.
The Sophia Charter was launched in the wake of her death, with multiple organisations including the university and police pledging to support students and reduce harm.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
