Popular violinist Stephen Phillips has been killed in a car crash in New Zealand.

Tributes have been pouring in for Queensland Symphony Orchestra violinist Stephen Phillips, who died in a car accident in New Zealand. The 54-year-old musician and his two stepsons, aged 12 and 14, were killed in the crash, while his partner Belinda Williams, a violist, and her nine-year-old daughter were injured. The crash occurred when the rental car they were travelling in collided with a truck going the other way. The family had been in New Zealand visiting Williams’ family.

^{Violinist Stephen Phillips}

The Queensland Symphony Orchestra released a statement on their Facebook page, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of our much loved First Violinist Stephen Phillips, who sadly passed away yesterday.” The post has since been inundated with comments in support of Phillips’ family and the QSO community.

“I loved to hear Stephen play the organ on a Sunday morning at church. A true gentleman,” wrote one person. “A kind hearted man who will be very missed. My thoughts and best wishes to his friends and family,” wrote another.

“The thoughts, prayers and love from everyone at the Queensland Symphony...