Friends and former colleagues have paid tribute to a much loved Christchurch legal executive who tragically lost her life in a head-on collision on Monday night.

60-year-old Sandra Loveday was killed when a car a 14-year-old-boy was driving crossed the centre line and crashed into Loveday’s vehicle.

Her name was released by police on Wednesday morning.

Sandra was senior legal executive at Christchurch based legal firm Canterbury Legal.

Friend Andy Thompson told Chris Lynch Media “she was an incredibly professional person, and just a wonderful friend, particularly to my mother.”

Thompson said Sandra worked with his mother for 15 years as a sales consultant.

“Sandra was a solo mum to two boy and she did everything herself. She was fully committed to whatever she did, wherever she worked and whomever she met.

“She treated my mother like another mum or aunty. Even when she moved from the Coast to Christchurch, she would still visit us and kept in regular contact.

I’ve never met anyone quite like her. She was always immaculately dressed, and was always busy, but somehow always had time for people. She was the sort of person who you could always rely on” Thompson said.

“I’m totally shocked by this, and to have someone killed in that manner, so sudden is just so tragic. She had plenty of life to live. She was just so loved by everyone she met.”

A former business associate living on the West Coast described Loveday as “such a lovely lady and was very classic. This will hit the West Coast and Christchurch communities hard.”

A police spokesperson said “an investigation into the crash remains ongoing, as such police are unable to comment further on the cause of the crash.”

In a Facebook post, Canterbury Legal said “it is with great sadness that we advise of the passing of our colleague and friend Sandra Loveday on Monday 7 August 2023.

“Sandra’s presence within our small team was invaluable, and her professionalism and warmth left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of working alongside her. Her loss has left us deeply shocked and saddened, and we are navigating this together.

“Our thoughts are with Sandra’s family and friends at this difficult time.

“Clive, Sue and Grant remain on hand to deal with client enquiries however, we ask for your understanding as there may be limited availability of services for a period of time.

“If you would like to send a condolence message, we will ensure that your kind words are passed on to Sandra’s family on your behalf.

Thank you for your continued support.”