Regan Easton-Sydney killed in car crash a day after 19th birthday

Regan Easton-Sydney was killed in a car crash on Hauraki Plains in the early hours of Thursday morning. Photo / Supplied

A young man killed in a car accident in the early hours of Thursday had been celebrating his 19th birthday just hours before.

Regan Easton-Sydney died when the car he was in lost control in the Hauraki Plains.

Authorities said the crash happened on the corner of Elliot Rd and State Highway 26 south-east of Thames. His vehicle was discovered about 2am.

Family and friends are gathering to support each other following the sudden loss and have been paying tribute to him on social media sites.

Easton-Sydney had been on his way to his girlfriend in Paeroa when the crash happened, Fairfax reported.

In the Weekend Herald today, a family notice said he had just celebrated a birthday the day before.

"Tragically taken as the result of a motor vehicle accident on 8 December... a day after his 19th birthday.

"Cherised son of Raewyn and Hamish, big brother to Tristran, Nixon, Trentham and Kendra. Grandson of Wendy, Ross and Muriel. Loved nephew to many.''

The Paeroa Youth Rugby Club, where Easton-Sydney's father is the president, has also sent a message to its members to remember Regan's family.

"Let's come together as a club and show our support a koha , gift or baking to go towards there package would be appreciated,'' club member Char Silvester wrote on the club's Facebook page.

A funeral service for the teenager will be held in Waihi on Tuesday.