Critically ill teen a battler, says teacher

MARK STORY | Tuesday, January 11, 2011 10:34

STAGE STRENGTH: Kimberly McNeill, pictured here playing the lead role of Ariel in Footloose, is still critical in Auckland Hospital.

"Hope springs eternal" for critically ill teenager Kimberly McNeill, says her former drama teacher, Chris Davidson.

The Havelock North 18-year-old was discovered unconscious in her upturned vehicle after she crashed into a power pole on Te Mata Mangateretere Rd on December 27.

"She has great family support - they're working really hard to do everything they can," Mr Davidson said. "The last I heard she had shown some response."

The former Napier Girls' High pupil studied under Mr Davidson - the school's head of drama - including for her lead role as Ariel in last year's musical production Footloose.

She was also one of the Little Cosettes in Napier Operatic Society's 2002 production of Les Miserables.

"She's been a performer from a really young age. She's brilliant to direct as she's just a great learner.

"Kimberly loves a challenge, and it'll be that, if anything, that'll get her through."

The teenager is still listed as critical in Auckland Hospital.

Police continue to investigate the accident, which occurred at 5.55am while she was driving to Gisborne's Rhythm & Vines Concert.