Patricia McKay : “Heroic Husband of Patricia McKay Sacrifices Life to Save Her”

1. Husband of Patricia McKay in California
2. Kiwi killed in California saving wife.

Accident – Death – Obituary News :

The spouse of a New Zealand lady who lost her life in California courageously intervened to protect her from a fatal accident, according to prosecutors.

Patricia McKay, aged 68, met with a tragic end outside a shopping mall in Newport Beach during an attempted robbery, where she was struck by a vehicle driven by one of the alleged perpetrators.

Witnesses recounted that two robbers initially targeted her husband’s watch but redirected their focus towards her bag.

The deceased’s husband, Doug McKay, aged 69, a former chair of the BNZ board, and a close acquaintance of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, found themselves in a harrowing situation at the hands of the assailants.

The Details of the Tragic Event

Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer disclosed that after completing their shopping, the couple awaited transportation when two masked individuals emerged from a white Toyota Camry.

These individuals reportedly threatened Doug McKay at gunpoint, forced him to the ground, and demanded his watch.

Subsequently, one of the assailants violently attacked Patricia McKay, throwing her to the ground and dragging her onto the street, directly in the path of the getaway vehicle driven by a third individual.

Mr. McKay valiantly attempted to shield his wife from harm by stepping in front of the vehicle, risking his own life in the process.

The Arrest and Legal Proceedings

Spitzer identified the driver of the vehicle as Leroy Ernest Joseph McCrary, aged 26, from Los Angeles, who callously accelerated, pushing Doug McKay aside and running over Patricia McKay, dragging her body approximately 20 meters.

A brave local resident, Beau Bayless, intercepted one of the robbers, identified as Jayden Cunningham, aged 18, from Lancaster, but was met with gunfire from the getaway car operated by 18-year-old Malachi Eddward Darnell, also from Los Angeles.

Bayless recounted hearing a loud noise and the distinct sound of a bullet whizzing past him and another individual.

Following the incident, Cunningham was apprehended after fleeing from the vehicle, while McCrary and Darnell were captured after a pursuit by law enforcement.

The trio faces charges of special circumstances murder and are currently held without bail, with additional charges related to the incident.

A Message of Condolence

Spitzer acknowledged the profound impact of Patricia McKay’s untimely demise, expressing condolences to her loved ones and the nation of New Zealand during this period of mourning.

In a statement released by family spokesperson Nick Hern, gratitude was extended towards the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the New Zealand Embassy in Washington, and the Consulate General’s office in Los Angeles for their unwavering support in facilitating the return of McKay’s remains to her homeland.

The family anticipates her repatriation in the near future, with plans underway for a fitting farewell to honour her memory.

.

Husband Patricia McKay Kiwi killed California
Husband Patricia McKay leapt front car save her life.