Jimmy Schick Cambridge NZ Death and Obituary – The close-knit community of Cambridge, New Zealand, is mourning the heartbreaking death of 10-year-old Jimmy Schick, a student at Kaipaki School, who tragically lost his life in an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) accident on Sunday, May 12, 2024—Mother’s Day. The incident occurred on a rural property on French Pass Road in Karāpiro, part of the broader Waikato District.
Jimmy was a beloved member of the Schick family, well-known and deeply respected in the local and national thoroughbred racing circles. His father, Rodney Schick, a director on the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Board and co-owner of Windsor Park Stud, was critically injured in the same accident. Two other individuals, including one of Jimmy’s siblings, also suffered injuries—one serious and one minor.
The tragedy struck in a remote, hilly area that complicated emergency rescue operations. Emergency services had to be flown in, with the Auckland Westpac Helicopter crew winching Rodney Schick approximately 40 feet due to the challenging terrain. Initial reports indicate that no helmets were worn by those on the ATV at the time of the crash, raising safety concerns.
The news of Jimmy’s death has cast a deep pall of sorrow over Cambridge and beyond. Kaipaki School Principal Kim Budd and Board Chair Lisette Balsom issued a joint statement expressing profound sadness. Describing Jimmy as a “much-loved student,” they extended condolences to his family and friends, affirming that the school is devastated by the loss. The Ministry of Education has deployed its trauma team to the school to support both staff and students during this difficult time.
Waipā Mayor Susan O’Regan, visibly moved, called the weekend’s dual tragedies “almost unbearable.” Speaking to the emotional weight of the events, she emphasized the significance of the date, which for many families is typically one of celebration and togetherness. “There are no words,” she said, adding, “I hugged my children a lot longer than what they naturally get.”
The Schick family, known for their generosity and strong ties to the Waikato region, has asked for privacy as they navigate unimaginable grief. Friends, neighbors, and members of the racing and farming communities have gathered at the family’s home to offer their support.
Mayor O’Regan, who herself lives on a farm, acknowledged the realities and risks associated with rural life, particularly the use of ATVs. “Nobody purposefully goes out to do these things,” she said. “But this is really hard to fathom.”
In the wake of this tragedy, Cambridge is coming together in collective mourning. The community is drawing strength from its unity, offering love and support to the grieving families. In honoring Jimmy Schick’s memory, the people of Cambridge are reminded of the fragility of life and the deep value of compassion, connection, and community support.