Family and friends are paying tribute to a teenager killed in a tragic car accident in the Bay of Plenty.
On Wednesday morning, 19-year-old Keanan Coetzee died after a truck collided with his car on State Highway 2 at Pikowai.
According to a Givealittle page, Keanan's parents were called to the scene where their son died.
"The parents were called to the scene so you can imagine the pain and trauma they must be experiencing," a family friend who started the page wrote.
"As the family face the worst possible nightmare, they will need financial support to lessen the load of what they are already facing.
"If you are thinking 'is there something I can do to help?' please contribute to support the family in this difficult time.
"Thank you for your support. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family at this time."
So far the page has raised over $6500 to help support Keanan's family with everyday expenses.
Keanan's employer Flame Cut Profiles said they spent most of Wednesday morning with his parents at the scene of the collision.
"It was a blessing to have Keanan with us; we enjoyed having him around and his friendly face will be missed," the company wrote on Facebook.
"Rest in peace young man and keep on making your funny jokes in heaven xx. Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts."
Keanan attended Tauranga Boys' College, which posted a tribute to him on Facebook.
"It is with deep sadness that we met with our staff and students today to acknowledge the tragic loss of one of our boys. Keanan Coetzee lost his life in a terrible vehicle accident yesterday.
"The college passes on its deepest sympathy, with support offered to the family and those at school close to Keanan."
Many of Keanan's friends have also shared their condolences and memories of Keanan.
"Always full of smiles and positive attitude. We will all miss you," one person said.
"Our hearts ache and our words are finished and we cannot understand why," another person said. "You were such a beautiful young boy and crawled so deep into all of our hearts. Always so friendly, helpful, loving and time for a joke."
"We will always keep you in our hearts."
