The scene of Tuesday's three-car crash on State Highway 2. PHOTO/Paul Taylor
A young woman is devastated after "the best big sister" who was always there for her was killed in a crash.
Amberley Muller, a 19-year-old from Waipawa, died on Tuesday after her car and a truck collided on State Highway 2 near Hastings.
A white ute following her Nissan Cefiro also hit the truck.
Ms Muller's death has left sister Keely distraught.
"I'm not a very strong person and whenever I needed her, she was there for me," Keely Muller said.
"She was beautiful, smart, funny and the best big sister I could have asked for."
Amberley Muller was travelling south along the state highway at 3.36pm when her vehicle crossed into the path of an oncoming truck, about 1km south of the Pekapeka wetlands.
The Nissan, in which she was alone, became wedged under the truck.
Rescuers took several hours to cut her body from the wreckage.
The driver of the truck was shaken but unhurt.
Cousin Estefania Muller Pallares said she was very close to Amberley Muller, especially while growing up.
She said her cousin always had a funny story to tell and could make people laugh and just feel comfortable.
"She was always up for an adventure and she would fight to the ends of the Earth for the people she loved. That's why I will never forget her. The Mullers won't be the same without her."
Tributes were posted on Facebook to the dead woman.
Friends said they were "honoured" to have known Amberley Muller, calling her a caring friend who had high aspirations.
Another said she was heartbroken.
Paunovic moved to Havelock North with her family from Croatia seven years ago.