Aaron Sinadinovic was one of three who died in a fiery accident in Unanderra which has shocked the community and devastated his family, who remember his compassion, humour and zest for life.

Once high school friends, the pair got together four years ago after meeting through mutual friends. This year Aaron proposed, but it was only a formality; Tania knew in her heart it was always meant to be.

"Ever since we met we knew that was it," she said.

Gentle, kind and caring, Aaron doted on his bride-to-be.

"If we were walking down the street he would push me aside and make sure he was next to the kerb so that the cars would be close to him. He would hold my hand all the time and he'd stop at traffic lights and give me a kiss.

"He sold his car and bought a dual cab so that we could eventually put our kids in the back."

The family's home at Farmborough Heights is less than 10 minutes from the accident site.

Last Friday the family endured a hellish few hours frantically searching for Aaron, who could not be raised on his mobile phone.

Travelling along the Princes Hwy the family were blocked, like many other motorists, at a police cordon around the accident.

"I remember my wife got a glimpse of the flashing lights up further. I turned around but we were too upset to discuss what might have happened," Aaron's brother-in-law, Sasha Stankovski, said.

Yesterday they remembered Aaron as a gentle giant who, at 198cm, towered over his two nephews Jared and Jono Stankovski.

The trio were a common sight in karate classes where Aaron, "the pride of his class", was after three months already competing in tournaments.

"He was committed - whatever he did he did fully, but I think the karate was more about family," Mr Stankovski said yesterday.

The day after hearing news of the accident the family had planned to attend a karate grading where Aaron's nephew, Jared, was taking part.