Dean Mathias: Friends and family pay tribute to the Moruya mechanic who died in a horrific crash on the Princes Highway

A mechanic a year away from tying the knot with his lifelong love tragically died in a horrific accident, sparking a spate of tributes.

Dean Mathias, 25, and his beloved dog Axl died Thursday after their Holden Colorado Ute overturned on the Princes Highway near Moruya on the NSW south coast.

His friends and family were shocked by his sudden death and hailed him as a “mechanical genius” and one of the best mechanics in the region.

Of all those devastated by Dean’s death, his fiancee Libby Williams was the one most affected.

The couple had met in high school and were scheduled to marry in Tuross Heads in October next year.

Tributes have arrived for a mechanic, Dean Mathias (pictured), who tragically died in a car crash along with his dog Axl (right).

Dean was due to marry Libby Williams (both pictured) next October. Ms Williams described him as “charming, smart and hardworking”.

The couple also both celebrated birthdays in October.

Mr. Mathias attended numerous schools on the south coast before moving to Canberra to hone his trade as a mechanic.

He returned to the South Coast to start his own business, DM Diesel Mechanics, and was ready to start a new life with Ms. Williams.

“We had so many plans for the future, we were well on our way to realizing them,” said Ms. Williams South Coast News.

In a heartbreaking tribute, she described her fiancé as “charming, smart and hardworking.”

Mr. Mathias was also an avid nature lover and would spend time outside on the beach with his dogs, on his quadricycle or working on mechanical things.

He could also be found in his “amazing” shed entertaining his friends, listening to music, fixing their cars and laughing together.

“Dean had such a big heart,” Ms. Williams said.

“There are no words for this loss and what it means to me.”

A GoFundMe for Dean’s family has already raised over $6,500 to help his grieving family through their heartbreaking ordeal

Dean’s numerous friends also paid tribute to their late companion, with many shocked and disbelieving at his sudden death.

“Shut up my brother, there’s no way you’re going,” someone wrote on social media.

“You’re into bigger and better things now, mate. It was a pleasure to meet you brother.”

“I’m honestly at a loss for words bro wish this was just a nightmare,” wrote a second.

“RIP brother forever and ever in everyone’s heart,” wrote a third.

Close friend Lottie Cooper wrote a similarly touching tribute on Facebook.

“We all love you so much.” Your wife is devastated, your family is broken and I miss you so much. Thank you for being in our lives for even this brief time.

“You and Axl take care of each other, my dear friend.”

Mrs. Cooper started one GoFundMe to support Dean’s family during this ordeal, who have already raised over $6,500 of their $10,000 goal.

“Anyone who knew Dean knew he had a huge heart and a great personality,” Ms. Cooper wrote.

“He was a smart and caring young man early in his life. We should be at his wedding, not his funeral.

“This was a devastating, unexpected loss and many hearts were broken.”