TRIBUTES are flowing for two men killed in an horrific head-on crash south of Uralla, which has left another man seriously injured in hospital.
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Detectives are trying to piece together the moments before the Subaru and Toyota collided head-on on Wednesday afternoon, claiming the lives of 41-year-old Jason Palmer from Tamworth and a 21-year-old University of New England student.
Mr Palmer is being remembered as a loving father, son, brother and friend to many, including the Tamworth cricket circles where he played for several years.
“Our thoughts go out to the family of Jason Palmer who tragically passed away in an accident [on Wednesday],” the Tamworth and District Cricket Association said on Thursday.
“Jason has been apart of the TDCA for over 30 years as a player and a volunteer.”
Mr Palmer was behind the wheel of the Toyota when the crash occurred about 4.30pm on the New England Highway, 30km south of Uralla.
“Rest easy Jason, every time I ran into you at cricket or in public, always a friendly face!” Julian McGovern said in tributes posted on Facebook.
“We are all worse off without you. Thinking about you and your family at this hard time.”
His sudden death has shocked friends and family, with police to prepare a report for the coroner.
“I still can't believe [it], so sad I only spoke to him the night before,” Donna Moore said.
“God only takes the best that's for sure, he was a great man son, brother, father, friend and uncle, I will love and miss him forever.”
“So shocked and saddened to hear about the bad accident [on Wednesday] which took a life of a friend, it was a massive shock, our condolences go out to his family,” Karen Verning said on Facebook.
The University of New England (UNE) is providing counselling and support services after the passing of one of its own.
“The University of New England can confirm the death of one of our students in a car accident south of Uralla [on Wednesday] afternoon,” a UNE spokesperson said.
The 21-year-old was behind the wheel of the Subaru at the time of the head-on and died at the scene.
“The UNE community would like to extend its heartfelt sympathies to the family of the deceased student,” the UNE spokesperson said.
“The University has support services in place to provide assistance to students, staff and family at this difficult time.”
A 23-year-old man, who was a passenger in the same vehicle, suffered leg and pelvic injuries. He was transported to Tamworth hospital and was later flown in a serious condition to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle late on Wednesday night.
New England Inspector Chris McKinnon said the man’s condition had improved on Thursday in hospital.
"We can confirm that the young man that went to hospital is now in a stable condition,” he said.
"The vehicle was headed south on the New England Highway.”
Investigators are appealing for anyone who witnessed the crash or who saw the vehicles in the lead-up to contact Armidale police.