McQueen’s death was confirmed today by the New Zealand military.
Emergency services were called to a two-vehicle accident around 3:30 p.m. Friday at the intersection of State Highway One (SH1) and Looker Rd, near Rangitata in South Canterbury.
McQueen and an Ashburton man both died.
A child was seriously injured in the crash and was rushed to Starship Hospital in Auckland.
Today Acting Chief of the Army Brigadier Rose King paid tribute to McQueen.
“It is with sadness that I write to inform you of the death of one of our soldiers,” she said alongside a photo of McQueen.
Tristan enlisted in the New Zealand Army Regular Forces in July 2017 as a soldier with the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment.
Tristan was initially posted to Victor Company, 1st Battalion, and after Corps Training in April 2018, was posted to the 2nd/1st Battalion where he served for most of his regular armed forces career.
“This culminated in his placement with the Fire Support Group Platoon in 2021, recognizing his skills in this area.
King said McQueen received his NZ Defense Force Service Medal in 2020.
“Those who knew Tristan describe him as a hardworking, fit young soldier who had a real passion for his young family,” she said.
Tristan leaves behind his partner Kate and 19-month-old son Harvey and his parents Susanna and Peter, twin brothers Finlay and Harry and his sister Courtney.
“My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and unity at this difficult time.”
King said details of the funeral service would be shared once the family confirmed their wishes.
-By Anna Leask