A FUNDRAISER for the family of a Tamworth man killed in a horrific accident with a kangaroo and ute has raised close to $7500.
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Matthew O'Rourke died in the tragic crash on the New England Highway near Bendemeer on the morning of February 24.
Tributes are continuing to flow for the young man, known as Matty or Frog, as family and friends prepare to farewell him at a funeral service on Friday.
A GoFundMe fundraising page set up for donations to the family had raised almost $7500 by Tuesday afternoon.
The former Pirates junior and Carinya student "had a personality that would bring light [to] the room and put a smile on everyone's face who he was around", friends said.
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"He was loved by many and he won't be forgotten," organisers of the fundraiser said.
The 23-year-old died while riding his motorbike on the highway near the Kentucky turnoff. He hit a kangaroo then was struck by a passing utility, police said.
A funeral service will be held at the Alston Memorial Chapel at Lincoln Grove Memorial Gardens from 1pm on Friday, March 8.
The fatal crash was one of three on the same highway in nine days.
On February 28, a 44-year-old Tamworth woman died near Bendemeer after a head-on crash with an oncoming Volkswagon SUV.
On Monday night, a Tamworth man, believed to be aged in his 30s, was killed in a fiery head-on crash with a truck between Willow Tree and Wallabadah.
Investigations into all three crashes are continuing as police prepare reports for the coroner.
Breanna Chillingworth
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
