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COLLEAGUES, friends and patients are coming to grips with the shock death of a Tamworth dentist who died in a deliberate car crash at Willow Tree.
Dr Harshwardhan Narde is at the centre of a Sydney murder probe after his ex-girlfriend's body was found in her car on Tuesday night, less than 24 hours after his death.
The Leader understands Tamworth's Indian community is mourning the loss of Dr Narde who police say drove his BMW into the path of an oncoming semi-trailer on Monday night.
It's been revealed Dr Narde was previously in a relationship with murdered Sydney dentist Preethi Reddy, who's body was discovered with numerous stab wounds in a suitcase inside her car.
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The dentist was in his thirties and worked at Oasis Smiles Dental in Tamworth. On Wednesday, an automatic voicemail greeted patients confirming his death, along with a sign on the door.
We will always remember him with his big cheeky smile.
- Oasis Smiles Dental
It was with "great sadness we announce the tragic passing of our beloved Harsh" a post on the surgery Facebook page said, before Dr Reddy's body was found.
"We will miss him beyond words. He touched many people's lives and we will always remember him with his big cheeky smile," the post said.
Detectives believe the Calala resident, Dr Narde, attended a dentist conference in Sydney at the weekend purely to see his ex-girlfriend.
Dr Reddy was last seen on CCTV in the Market Street hotel lobby where the Tamworth dentist was staying.
It's believed she went to his hotel to re-affirm their relationship was over.
Her body was then discovered inside a suitcase within her car parked in Kingsford at about 9:30pm on Tuesday.
Police are still investigating the deadly crash involving her ex-boyfriend.
After the collision, the semi-trailer veered across the road and through a railing before bursting into flames and falling on its side.
The 49-year-old male truck driver managed to extricate himself from the cabin before the entire truck was destroyed by fire.
He was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital for mandatory blood and urine testing.
Oxley police have confirmed the death "is believed to be a deliberate act".
Support is available for those who may be distressed by phoning Lifeline 13 11 14; Mensline 1300 789 978; Kids Helpline 1800 551 800; beyondblue 1300 224 636; Domestic Violence Line 1800 65 64 63; 1800-RESPECT 1800 737 732