Newport robbery: Family of New Zealand woman Patricia McKay ...

The family of the woman killed during an armed robbery while on holiday in the US say they are still coming to terms with their loss. 

Patricia McKay and her husband, prominent businessman Doug McKay, were outside Fashion Island shopping centre in California when two people tried to rob them. 

"During the robbery, one suspect fired a handgun three times, though no one was struck by gunfire," Newport Beach Police Department said in a statement. 

Local police said Patricia was then pulled onto the street where she was hit by a car being driven by a third suspect. 

Patricia died at the scene. 

The three men fled the scene in the car but were later arrested by police. 

"No words can express our sadness as we try to come to terms with the loss of our mother, wife, and friend Patricia," McKay family spokesperson Nick Hern said. 

"We ask for privacy at this time as we work through this as a family." 

Police said Doug did not suffer any injuries.  

Doug is a businessman who was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to business and local government in 2015. He served on the BNZ board for over a decade, including several years as BNZ Chair. 

Auckland deputy mayor Desley Simpson paid tribute to McKay, a Remuera resident, on social media. 

"I am beyond devastated to hear that Remuera resident Trish McKay has been named as the victim in the LA robbery outside the Fashion Island Mall in Newport Beach, California," she posted.  

"Trish was the wife of Doug McKay who was (amongst other significant roles) the inaugural CEO of the amalgamated Auckland Council. 

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

The suspects have been identified as Leroyernest Joseph McCrary, 26, of Compton; Jaden Cunningham, 18, of Lancaster; and Malachi Eddward Darnell, 18, of Los Angeles. They have been charged with homicide, robbery with a firearm and criminal conspiracy. 

"To hell with these guys," Mayor Will O'Neil of Newport Beach said. "They came into our city,  knowing that they were going to commit crime, and a woman is dead today because of it." 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade told Newshub New Zealand consular officials are providing assistance to the woman's family. 

Newshub.