warpedskydiver 0 #1 July 7, 2006 2 in Tongan Royal Family Killed in Calif. Friday, July 7, 2006 1:21 AM EDT The Associated Press By TERENCE CHEA SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Two royal family members from the South Pacific island nation of Tonga were killed when a teenager racing her car crashed into their sport utility vehicle, authorities said Thursday. Prince Tu'ipelehake, 56, and Princess Kaimana, 46, died Wednesday night, according to Senter Uhilamoelangi, a distant relative and longtime friend of the prince. Uhilamoelangi said the couple had arrived in the area earlier this week to discuss political reforms with members of the region's Tongan community. Uhilamoelangi, a Tonga native and East Palo Alto resident, helped arrange the visit. San Mateo County Coroner Robert Foucrault confirmed that two members of Tonga's royal family died in the crash. But he would not release their names until the Tongan government made an official announcement. The driver of the red Ford Explorer carrying the two also was killed, the California Highway Patrol said. Edith Delgado, 18, of Redwood City, allegedly was racing her car at speeds up to 100 mph on a highway in Menlo Park, about 30 miles south of San Francisco, when she tried to pass the SUV in which the royal couple was traveling, said highway patrol Officer Ricky Franklin. Delgado's car slammed into the driver's side of the Explorer, causing it to swerve across several lanes before tumbling to a stop on its roof, Franklin said. Delgado, who was not injured, was jailed on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and engaging in a speed contest, Franklin said. Tonga — a 170-island archipelago about halfway between Australia and Tahiti — has a population of about 108,000 and an economy dependent on pumpkin and vanilla exports, fishing, foreign aid and remittances from Tongans abroad. Now the last monarchy in the Pacific, Tonga has been a Polynesian kingdom and a protectorate of Britain, from which it acquired independence in 1970. It is ruled by 88-year-old King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV. New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters praised Prince Tu'ipelehake's efforts at reforming Tonga's political system and said it was a "tragedy" that he died while traveling to the United States to seek out opinions of Tongans. "He pursued this goal with sensitivity and perception, mixed with a strong determination to achieve progress," Peters said in a statement. "This earned wide respect in New Zealand as well as in Tonga, where he was often called the Prince of the People." Quote Once again some jerk driver thinks they are in the movie "fast and furious" and thay cant even pass without hitting someone. I hope they convict her ass of reckless homicide and send her ass to Soledad for life. The people of Tonga will demand justice for this as the prince was loved by all. AS IT SHOULD BE! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites rehmwa 2 #2 July 7, 2006 QuoteOnce again some jerk driver thinks they are in the movie "fast and furious" and thay cant even pass without hitting someone. I'd like to link to some of the "Though most can't, I'm a great motorcycle or car driver and can do whatever I want and can't be bothered to find a track" threads. But I won't do that out of respect for those that have really invested the time to be good rather than just assume it because their ego can't stand otherwise. Plus, it's like talking to teenagers. I think likely it is. ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites downwardspiral 0 #3 July 7, 2006 Bet the suspect was on her cell phone too. I use to ride at those speeds on my motorcycle which I will agree was highly irresponsible of me. Now I'm aggressive but not dangerous. Sometimes its better to be lucky than good.www.FourWheelerHB.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply 0
rehmwa 2 #2 July 7, 2006 QuoteOnce again some jerk driver thinks they are in the movie "fast and furious" and thay cant even pass without hitting someone. I'd like to link to some of the "Though most can't, I'm a great motorcycle or car driver and can do whatever I want and can't be bothered to find a track" threads. But I won't do that out of respect for those that have really invested the time to be good rather than just assume it because their ego can't stand otherwise. Plus, it's like talking to teenagers. I think likely it is. ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
downwardspiral 0 #3 July 7, 2006 Bet the suspect was on her cell phone too. I use to ride at those speeds on my motorcycle which I will agree was highly irresponsible of me. Now I'm aggressive but not dangerous. Sometimes its better to be lucky than good.www.FourWheelerHB.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
