CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand — A Filipina teacher, who was on vacation, died in a two-vehicle crash in New Zealand and her family has set up an online fundraising to repatriate her remains.

In a viral Facebook post, Mia de los Santos-O'Riley confirmed that her sister, Joyce Fesico, died in the car crash that local media reported to have happened on Sunday afternoon at Crown Range Road near the popular resort town of Queenstown.

According to publications NZ Herald and Stuff, four helicopters, four ambulances, a rapid response unit and a major incident support team responded to the incident and treated seven patients at the scene. Three of the victims who were in serious condition and one in moderate condition had to be airlifted to nearby Dunedin Hospital while the remaining three who suffered moderate to minor injuries were transported by road to a Queenstown hospital.

O'Riley shared a link to Give A Little, a crowdfunding website for New Zealanders, where more information about Fesico can be found.

Fesico was a high school teacher from Baao, Camarines Sur and was due to retire in January 2025.

"She was looking forward to endless days with family and love of gardening," O'Riley wrote.

Fesico visited New Zealand to be the eldest family representative of her niece's wedding. While she was enjoying her short visit to New Zealand, she refrained from posting pictures because her home province was being ravaged by floods a week prior to her untimely death. Her sister said Fesico deemed it inappropriate and insensitive.

O'Riley described her sister as "kind, considerate, chill, and funny."

In a short exchange with The Manila Times, O'Riley said Madoy — as she was fondly called in the family — took the role of a mother when their parents left them at a young age.

"She was the mediator, the most sensible, practical go to person in our household. She is musically talented, loves Korean drama, and gardening. When someone approaches her with a problem, she always says 'problema lang yan, may solusyon dyan [It's only a problem, it has a solution].' She also encourages the young ones to emulate people with good traits. She is unique and she will be missed."

Fesico leaves behind her husband and three children.

The fundraising has pooled $6,300 NZD (around P219,000) as of Wednesday.

O'Riley said that the amount would help with costs associated with repatriation of Fresco's remains as well as the funeral expenses. Any amount left will be handed to her immediate family.

In an update, O'Riley said there was an ongoing investigation by multiple New Zealand government agencies to prevent further accidents and deaths. She also revealed that there were two other family members hurt in the accident.

O'Riley said they were hoping to take Fesico home in two weeks after the necessary paperwork.

Online donations can still be made via https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/she-left-us-at-her-happiest.

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