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- Patricia McKay, 68, was fatally struck by a fleeing car outside a California mall yesterday during a botched armed robbery.��

- She was visiting Newport Beach with her husband when they were accosted by two men at the upmarket Fashion Island mall.��

- McKay is the wife of prominent Kiwi businessman Doug McKay, who was the inaugural CEO of the amalgamated Auckland Council.��

Neighbours of the��New Zealand woman killed in America by armed attackers��at a shopping mall say she was a doting grandmother who was visiting family when tragedy struck.����

Patricia (Trish) McKay, 68, was at Newport Beach, California, with her husband when the pair were accosted by two men at the upmarket Fashion Island.����

She died at the scene after being run over��during a struggle in a botched robbery attempt, while her husband escaped uninjured.��

One of McKay’s Auckland neighbours was in tears after learning of his friend’s “tragic” death last night.��

He said the couple were only just beginning to enjoy life as grandparents and she “loved being a grandmother”.��

“We are all in shock.”��

He said they were well-liked by their tight-knit community in Remuera.��

• 'No words can express our sadness': Family pay tribute to Trish McKay
• Kiwi woman killed in US after robbery named; three arrested
• 'A tragedy': Kiwi woman dies in US after being robbed and run over by car - reports

“She was a lovely, lovely woman.”��

Neighbours on the quiet street where the couple lived embraced each other today as they mourned the loss of their friend.��

“It’s just so tragic,” another neighbour said.��

Patricia and Doug McKay. Photo / Supplied��

A spokesperson from Eden Park, of which husband and well known Auckland businessman Doug McKay had served as chair for eight years, said she was an “important part” of their team.��

“[McKay] was a kind and compassionate soul. Her loss will be felt profoundly by The Eden Park Trust Board and staff.”��

Earlier the McKay family released a statement, saying “no words can express our sadness as we try to come to terms with the loss of our mother, wife, and friend Patricia”.��

“We ask for privacy at this time as we work through this as a family.”��

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon called Trish McKay’s death “an absolute tragedy”, telling ��һ�ǿ�����talk ZB’s Kerre Woodham he knew her husband Doug McKay very well.��

“He’s a great man and it’s a great family…I think the family will be in huge shock and all our thoughts and prayers are with them,” he said.��

“They’re top people.”��

Auckland Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson posted a message on social media saying she was “beyond devastated” to hear of McKay’s death.��

“Trish was amazing - funny, loyal, and loving. My absolute deepest sympathies to Doug and her family. In absolute shock.”��

Witnesses describe fatal struggle��

Witnesses have detailed McKay’s final moments as��she fought back against her armed attackers before being run down by a car.��

The��Los Angeles Times��reported a struggle ensued when McKay was approached by the two men, who then dragged her into a parking lot.��

A third man driving a white sedan ran over McKay before the two men fired shots as they led police on a high-speed chase into Los Angeles County.��

Marnie Knaw told the��Herald��she was meeting a friend at the mall when armed men started shooting at the public.��

Knaw said a member of the public ran out and “clotheslined” one of the attackers - meaning he stuck out his arm to strike the man as he ran, knocking him to the ground.��

The suspects led police on a high-speed chase after killing the New Zealand tourist.��

She claimed this spooked the attackers; one ran as another jumped in the car with a third offender before they ran over McKay.��

Police said the suspects opened fire as they drove away, leading officers on a cross-county pursuit that reached speeds of nearly 180km/h before their arrests.��

After exiting a freeway, two more men jumped out of the car and started running around the nearby South Gate neighbourhood.��

Oberon said all three were arrested and booked on homicide, firearm and criminal conspiracy charges.��

Newport Mayor Will O’Neill described the incident to local media as a “stunning, staggering act”.��

The suspects drove at 180km/h on a busy highway during the chase.��

“Newport Beach is a safe community and we’re mourning the loss of someone today, a loss that never should have happened,” O’Neill said.��

“It’s heartbreaking, it’s a tragedy.”��

Mfat told the��Herald: “New Zealand consular officials are providing assistance to the family of a New Zealander killed at Newport Beach. For privacy reasons no further information will be provided.”��

Rachel Maher is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. She has worked for the��Herald��since 2022.��