The truck driver who was found dead after last week's horror triple fatality in Patea was Fonterra driver Michael Fairclough.
Friends have paid tribute on social media to the dead driver, saying he was a "down-to-earth nice guy" and would be sadly missed.
Mr Fairclough's milk tanker and a car collided last Thursday. Three people died in a fireball explosion which shocked and horrified the Taranaki town.
Police announced yesterday that the driver had been found dead at his home in Stratford and that the death was being referred to the coroner. It is not being treated as suspicious.
Three occupants of the car - brother and sister Cherylene and John Bayne and Chantelle Giles - were killed.
Those who posted messages of tribute to the Fonterra driver included his cousin Sarah Clements.
She wrote Mr Fairclough was a man who always had time for others and would remembered for his cheerful disposition.
"A great cousin who always had time for others. You will be remembered for the good times and always had a big smiley face. A great man who will never be forgotten."
Another friend Michelle Kennard posted: "RIP Mike. You will be sadly missed but never forgotten."
Work colleague Tony Burkitt described him as "one of the most down to earth nicest guys I've ever had the pleasure to meet and work with".
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