Two men have been charged after another man died when an Audi plunged into water in the Royal National Park.
The crash happened about 1.15am on Wednesday when the Audi and a Mercedes were travelling along Audley Road through the park in Sydney’s south.
The Audi, with two 20-year-old men inside, left the road and sank in the Hacking River. The driver managed to escape, but his passenger – Muhammad Kashif – was trapped in the vehicle as it sank.
His former cricket coach Omar Khan told Nine News Kashif will be remembered for his energy and smile.
“I won’t be forgetting him for the rest of my life,” Khan said.
The Fairfield-Liverpool Cricket Association also shared tributes on social media.
“Muhammad Kashif had a great love of our beautiful game.”
“Our most sincerest condolences to all of Kashif’s family, friends and all those who knew him best,” it said.
An online fundraiser has gathered more than $52,000 from nearly 800 donors.
“Kashif worked tirelessly to support his family and was a pillar of strength in their lives. His sudden passing has left a deep void,” organiser Najiullah Shafiqi said.
Kashif’s body was recovered by police divers about 10.20am on Wednesday. Water streamed from the blue Audi as it was craned from the water about 25 minutes later.
Its 20-year-old driver, and an 18-year-old man who was driving the Mercedes were both taken to hospital for mandatory testing as police began investigating the crash.
The Audi driver was later charged with dangerous driving occasioning death and a back-up charge of negligent driving occasioning death.
The 18-year-old, a P-plater with an allegedly suspended licence was charged with driving while suspended, not displaying P-plates, not complying with high-performance vehicle restriction, using a phone while driving and possessing or attempting to possess a prescribed restricted substance.
The pair were granted bail by police and are scheduled to face Sutherland Local Court on June 18.
Locals told this masthead the area is known for vehicles driving too fast or street racing, but no street racing charges have been laid in relation to the crash.
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