Police have named the person who died after becoming trapped under a vehicle in Wānaka earlier this week.

He was 85-year-old David Simmers, a long-time Wānaka resident.

Emergency services were called to a Roche Street address on Monday morning (January 5) following reports of a single-vehicle crash.

Despite efforts by emergency responders, David was unable to be revived and died at the scene, a Police representative said.

David had volunteered with the Upper Clutha History Society (UCHS) since 2007 and in June he was awarded a life membership award for his extensive contributions.

UCHS committee member Jo Wilton said he would be deeply missed.

"The UCHS Wednesday morning volunteers that gather in the Wānaka Library will never feel quite the same without David’s quiet smiling presence, who for decades was the first to arrive - retired farmer there for an early bird - and start tackling his current task,” Jo said.

“Humble, genuine, totally reliable, dedicated to the preservation of history and an absolute gentleman to the end.”

David’s wife Jenny died in 2018. Her death notice lists the couple as having three children and ten grandchildren.

His death has been referred to the Coroner.

PHOTO: Upper Clutha History Society