A community is in mourning after the death of popular Year 12 Oak Flats High School student Casey-lee Hull, who has been remembered for her laugh and "sarcastic sense of humour".
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Casey-lee, 17, from Albion Park, lost control of her Suzuki Swift as she tried to negotiate a left-hand bend on Boollwarroo Parade, Shellharbour last Thursday night.
The vehicle mounted the western kerb and struck a large tree.
Despite the efforts of emergency services, Casey-lee died on Friday after being flown to St George Hospital.
Schoolmates have since converged on the crash site, laying flowers and paying tribute to a "unique and amazing friend".
Fellow Oak Flats school student Jack Foy said he would struggle to come to grips with Casey-lee's death.
"Devastating is an understatement," he said. "It's going to be hard because she was like a routine in our life, she was like family to us.
"You could talk to her about anything - she'd laugh at anything you'd say, she was heaps funny."
Trial HSC exams have been postponed at Oak Flats High School to give students time to grieve, and the school's flags have been flown at half mast.
Relieving principal Tony Coleman said the school's library had been turned into a "quiet space" where students could go to access help from counsellors.
"We would prefer students to come to school, it's probably a good distraction for them at this time but in the end it's up to the families," he said.
Police are continuing to appeal for information into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Investigators have been told Casey-lee's Suzuki and a Ford Falcon XR6 were seen travelling at speed through a 50km/h zone shortly before the crash.
Jack Foy said reports Casey-lee had been street racing were unlikely.
"She was a really sensible driver, definitely not racing," he said.
The driver of the Falcon, a 22-year-old Warilla man, has spoken to police and is assisting with inquiries.