A Newcastle man who died in a car crash in rural NSW about a week ago is being remembered as a keen poker player who was dedicated to his family and friends - and whose absence will leave a hole in the lives of many.
Matthew Mate was killed in a single-vehicle accident on the Golden Highway near Turill Road, about 40km east of Dunedoo, some time between 8pm on Friday, May 21 and 10am the following day.
Officers from Orana Mid-Western Police District found Mr Mate inside the vehicle last Saturday, but he had already died at the scene.
The construction worker had been on a job at Nyngan and was returning to see his partner when the tragedy struck.
The 39-year-old was well-known in poker circles in the Hunter, often working as a dealer at the World Poker Tour Newcastle League's Thursday night games at the Mayfield Hotel.
A Go Fund Me page has been set up to raise money for Mr Mate's loved ones, to help them cover the unexpected costs associated with making funeral arrangements. A fundraiser poker event will also be held at Edgeworth Bowling Club at 2pm on Saturday.
One of Mr Mate's close friends Taylor Neuss, who set up the Go Fund Me page, described the 39-year-old as "a very genuine bloke".
Mr Neuss said the fundraisers would help give Mr Mate "the biggest send away possible".
"He loved his poker, he loved his family and he loved his partner," he said.
"He always walked into the room with a smile. Even after a bad beating in poker he'd still have a smile - you couldn't keep him down.
"He was very well known and loved in the poker community. Playing poker isn't going to be the same without him."
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. They will prepare a report for the Coroner.
