The death of young family man Tom Wishart, known for his humour and happy personality, has left the Albury community in shock.
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Mr Wishart’s ute collided with a tree on Urana Road in Jindera about 7.40pm Wednesday.
He was rushed to Albury hospital, but died about midnight surrounded by his wife Emma and close friends.
The 24-year-old left behind Emma, and their two children Layla, 3, and Ariana, 2.
Mrs Wishart told The Border Mail she was still in shock following the tragic loss of the man who had been her high school sweetheart.
“It just feels like a dream and I haven’t woken up,” she said.
“He was a happy, annoying type of person.”
Mr Wishart was remembered for his smile and fun sense of humour, but also as a doting father.
“He loved those girls more than anything in the world,” Mrs Wishart said.
She was grateful for the support of her husband’s friends from his bricklaying job and his two brothers, John and Matt, who flew down from Sydney.
Tearful friends gathered at the Jindera crash site on Thursday and placed flowers, beer bottles and other mementos in a tribute to the popular young man.
Training for Albury Thunder was also cancelled so teammates could get together and have a few drinks in Mr Wishart’s honour.
He was a respected player at the club, emerging through the junior grades, and he had success in recent reserves premiership teams.
Thunder president Rick O’Connell extended his sympathies to the Wishart family.
“He was a great kid and obviously the rugby league community is very saddened by it,” he said.
“He was a great individual to have at the football club.
“He always had a smile on his face and will be sadly missed by everyone.”
A huge outpouring of Facebook tributes flowed during the day, including from close family friend Sal Kaiwai.
“My dear Tombo, I am so grateful to have had u in our family and have u always in our hearts (sic),” she said.
“I had the pleasure of seeing you grow into a wonderful young man, get married and have two beautiful daughters, you made me proud as punch.”
Others remembered his cheeky smile, wicked sense of humour, kind heart and his loyalty to his close friends and family.
Police continued to investigate the crash and a fire at the Wishart’s North Albury home earlier in the evening.
Albury police Inspector David Cottee said the incidents could be related.
Albury Central Fire Brigade station officer Dean Campbell said the fire caused a lot of damage when it spread to the roof.