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Remembering Tony McClean (0)

7/15/10 •

Tony McClean is a true Kiwi hero, and was named as one of the New Zealanders of the Year in 2008.

The below video from one-time Auckland pop hip hop crew Fat Monks, with their witty homage to organ legend Jimmy Smith. The independent group recorded their album at Sugarlicks Studios a few years back.
The track features a verse from Tony McClean, the teacher who died a little over two years ago now in a tragic accident on Mangatepopo River, where he was taking his students on a rafting trip. Tony tied himself to Tom Hsu, a disabled student of his, in order to try to save him, but in vain, as both were swept away. It is clear that Tony would have made it if he had just gone alone.

I woke up remembering Tony today, not sure why.