Carmen Yanko 'lived and loved fiercely' her grieving family say.

The innocent victim of Sunday's triple fatal car crash at Hope is Carmen Marie Yanko.

It is believed Yanko was on her way to set up her regular stall at Nelson's Sunday market, selling various antiques and collectables, when she was hit by a car fleeing police.

The 53-year-old and the two occupants of the fleeing vehicle – Johnathan Tairakena, 25, and 33-year-old Phillip Jamie Stretch – all died at the scene.

LUZ ZUNIGA/Stuff.co.nz Three people died when a driver fleeing police crossed the centre line on State Highway 6 at Hope, near Nelson.

The chase happened after police attempted to stop a vehicle as part of a wanted person investigation early on Sunday morning, but police have confirmed the person they were looking for was not Stretch or Tairakena.

On Monday, the family of Yanko released a statement.

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FACEBOOK Carmen Marie Yanko, 53, was one of the three victims in Sunday's triple fatal car crash at Hope.

"We, as Carmen's children, are heartbroken and reeling from this senseless tragedy that occurred early yesterday morning.

"She lived to be a mother and was there for us always.

"Carmen loved and lived fiercely and will be terribly missed by her family and friends."

LUZ ZUNIGA/STUFF Police have named the 53-year-old woman alongside the two occupants of the car who were fleeing from police.

Tasman District Commander Superintendent Mike Johnson said both Stretch and Tairakena were known to police.



"But no, the original person we were looking for wasn't one of the people deceased."

Johnson said the person they had been looking for had been linked to the fleeing car.

He wouldn't say why police were looking for the person, as it was part of the ongoing investigation into the triple fatality.

Johnson said the police officers involved in the chase hadn't been interviewed yet, which was part of normal practice, however they would be.

He said police had spoken with the families involved, but he wouldn't say what they spoke about.

A toxicology report was part of the investigation, but Johnson said that was standard practice.

"These events are always horrific and have a high impact on everyone involved, from ambo and fire to police and the tow truck people.

"Everyone is impacted and we're mindful of that."

He said victim support had been offered to everyone involved.

Monty's Sunday Market manager Jason Knight said the market organising team was "devastated" and "shocked" to hear Yanko had died.

Yanko died when a fleeing car crossed the centre line and crashed head-on into her oncoming vehicle near Nelson on State Highway 6 at Hope, south of Nelson, at 5.40am on Sunday.

Police pursued the car for about 6 kilometres and were still chasing the fleeing driver when the crash happened.