Brendon Brunner killed in Rutherford Road crash after car burst into flames

A Maitland teen is being remembered as a “beautiful angel” after he was tragically killed on a road in the Hunter - the second fatal crash on the road in less than a week.

Brendon Brunner, 19, has been remembered as a ‘happy-go-lucky’ teen.

A grandfather has described the heartache of losing his “happy-go-lucky” grandson, who was killed in a car crash in the Hunter over the weekend.

19-year-old Brendon Brunner tragically died when his vehicle lost control and crashed on Anambah Rd, near New England Highway at Rutherford, just before midnight on Friday, November 13.

Brendon Brunner, 19, died in a single-vehicle accident at Rutherford at 11.55pm Friday, November 13.

The teenager had no chance as the vehicle burst into flames before local fire crews arrived and were able to put it out.

A devastated Merv Brunner said his grandson was only around the corner from where he lived with his uncle in Rutherford when the accident happened.

Born in Dubbo before moving to Cobar with his grandparents and then to the Hunter, Mr Brunner said Brendon would be sadly missed by everyone.

“He was the sort of kid that was normally happy go lucky and always there for his mates. When he wasn’t working, he was probably partying with his friends, like a lot of kids at his age,” Mr Brunner said.

“A heap of his friends went down to Nobby’s yesterday (Sunday) and released a heap of balloons for him.”

A number of tributes from family and friends also flowed on social media following news of the teen’s death.

“Love you brother I would give anything to have you back with us,” one said.

“You will always have a place in our hearts. You may be gone but you will never be forgotten. We will cherish all the memories. Love you always,” one woman said on Facebook.

“My beautiful angel, love you more than you could ever imagine, another said.

Anambah road, Rutherford where a car lost control and crashed, before it went up in flames. The driver died. Credit: NBN News

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash and urge anyone with dash cam vision to contact Maitland Police Station or Crime Stoppers.

The 19-year-old’s death is just one of two fatal accidents to happen on the same road within a week.

A passenger of a Ford Utility was thrown from the vehicle after it lost control and hit a guard rail just after 9pm on November 7. The 29-year-old man died at the scene.

The driver - a 33-year-old man - was charged with dangerous driving occasioning death - drive manner dangerous and negligent driving.

He’s been granted bail to appear at Maitland Local Court on December 9.