![A member of Greytown Football Club, William Newton [middle] was the victim of a hit-and-run incident early Sunday morning. PHOTO/GRAEME BOWDEN](https://dw35i5ezvh1dd.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/William_Newton_pic.jpg "William_Newton_pic.jpg")
The victim of a hit-and-run incident early on Sunday morning on SH2 just north of Greytown underwent surgery yesterday to treat multiple fractures in Wellington Hospital.
A hospital spokesperson confirmed patient William Newton – who had been found in a reportedly critical condition at about 7am – was in a stable condition prior to the operation.
Enquiries into how the incident happened are underway, with police appealing for information regarding the cause of the accident, including Newton’s prior movements.
Police said it is believed that Newton made his way from Cotter St to the 70 kph area north of Greytown between 5am and 7am.
He was wearing black Nike track pants and a distinctive red Greytown FC shirt, possibly with a black long-sleeve Greytown FC jacket.
Newton is both a player and committee member of Greytown Football Club.
Newton’s uncle and president of the Greytown Junior Football Club Gary Hewson said his nephew is a beloved member of Greytown’s football community.
“He’s a lovely bloke, good fun, and with a lot of great mates around him.” Hewson said he and Newton’s family and friends are “doing as well as can be expected.”
“No one thinks this will happen to a family member, particularly the manner of how it happened, where he’s just been left – it’s pretty awful.” Hewson said.
The response from Greytown residents and the wider community has been “just amazing, people reaching out to help and support in any way”.
“The most important thing, though, will be support over the long term,” Hewson said.
Hewson said he and other family members were present at Wellington Hospital yesterday and that Newton had “multiple fractures across his body”.
Hewson urged anyone who may know any details that could help the investigation to come forward.
“Someone must be aware of what’s happened,” said Hewson.
“Someone’s got a damaged vehicle out there that’s unexplained. It would be great to think that we could find the person.”
Police are also conducting a homicide investigation after a man was found dead on Sunday outside an address on Te Kopi Rd in Carterton on Sunday morning.
As of print deadline last night, police had not confirmed whether the road was still closed and a scene guard in place, but said enquiries were ongoing.
