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Kenneth Stithem and Kirsten Steinke embrace. - Source: Facebook
A car collided with a cement mixer at the State Highway 3 intersection with Waitomo Caves. - Source: Fairfax -
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A United States woman who was involved in a fatal car crash while on her honeymoon in New Zealand is responding to voices, her parents say.
Kirsten Steinke, 28, and Kenneth Stithem, 31, were travelling on Waitomo Caves Rd last month when they overtook a stationary vehicle and collided with an oncoming cement truck.
Stithem was killed and his wife was cut out of the car by fire crews, before being taken to Waikato Hospital by air ambulance.
The Waikato District Health Board said while Steinke remains in the intensive care unit, her condition has improved and she is now stable.
Steinke's parents say she is responding as they read emails addressed to their daughter from New Zealanders and Americans.
"Keep those messages coming," said Jim Steinke. "We know she's responding to them."
Steinke and Stithem were married in the US five days before the crash.
The King Country intersection is a busy one, used by motorists visiting the Waitomo Caves village and locals.