Mitchel Bristow has been remembered as a caring son, grandson, uncle, brother and cousin.
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"My baby brother was the life of the party," his sister Nicole Keeley said.
The 24-year-old's life was cut short when two cars collided before being struck by a truck on the New England Highway at Liddell about midnight on December 4.
Ms Keeley said her brother had been working as a bartender at a Singleton pub for six months and living on the outskirts of Muswellbrook.
"He had just finished his shift, and he was going home, and that's when he clipped a car. Mitchel passed away almost instantly," she said.
"It's not fair."
She said Mitchel loved being outdoors, listening to live music, and spending time with his family.
"His nieces and nephews absolutely adored him. They don't really understand where uncle Mitchel is at the moment, which is hard."
Ms Keeley said that Mitchel and their three other siblings had been driving since they were seven, getting behind the wheel in a paddock.
"You know what I mean ... I said to mum the other day I thought this stage of my life was over where I had to worry about my baby brother getting into accidents," she said.
"You don't really think it's going to happen to you, then it does."
Mitchel's sister-in-law, Emma Rumbel, organised a fundraiser on behalf of the family to help cover funeral costs.
Almost $11,000 had been fundraised at the time of publishing out of their $20,000 goal, a figure that's blown the family away.
"I'm amazed at how much is in there and how many people have helped. I don't even know how to reach out to these people and say thank you," Ms Keeley said.
"It means the absolute world to us to know we can give him the farewell he deserves."
The family is awaiting closure on Mitchel's autopsy and report for the Coroner, which Ms Keeley said may not happen until after Christmas.
There are plans to hold a wake for Mitchel at the pub where he was working.
"Mitchel was a bubbly person to be around and the love for him will never end. I love you, Mitchel," she said.
Hunter Valley Police are pleading with the community to be safe following Mitchel's tragedy which came after four other people died in three separate crashes in the Hunter Valley since November 25.
