The family of a former Shrewsbury woman and her partner who were killed after they emigrated to New Zealand will fly there today to arrange the return of their bodies.

Vivien Butler, known by her middle name Jodie, and Jonathan Hale, both 31, died in a crash on a charity motorbike ride on Sunday just a couple of months after starting a new life on the other side of the world.

Check out our gallery above of pictures of Jodie and Jonathan

The couple, who were due to marry next year, were killed along with two others, including an 11-year-old girl, after a camper van driver lost control and ploughed into the motorcyclists.

Jodie grew up in Shrewsbury but moved to Wordsley, Stourbridge, to live with Jonathan.

Her father Terry Butler, of Broseley, and brother Rod Butler, 40, of Cruckton, were leaving Heathrow Airport for Christchurch in New Zealand today.

Jonathan’s father John Hale is already in the country and will meet with the Butler family when they arrive on Saturday. Terry Butler said he had spoken to police in New Zealand and they had been very helpful.

He said: “Yesterday the police explained that the autopsy has been held and an initial report has been issued but it has to be confirmed in about three weeks.

“The death certificates have been issued so we can make arrangements for them to come home.”

Mr Butler will remain in New Zealand for a week but said he was not sure when the bodies of Jodie and Jonathan would return to England.

“I think the police have said they will be able to release them,” Mr Butler added.

He was due to discuss funeral arrangements at Wordsley’s Holy Trinity Church with Jonathan’s mother Joy Lappage yesterday.

He said the death of his daughter was still sinking in and the family were still in shock.

Mr Butler said his family’s prayers were with the family of Gavin MacDonald and his 11-year-old daughter Olivia, who were also killed.