Mystery surrounds the cause of the crash, with witnesses telling police the driver, 19-year-old Nick Longbottom of Sanctuary Point, appeared to have passed out behind the wheel.

Supporting the theory was the absence of skid marks on the road, or anything else indicating why Mr Longbottom’s car left Larmer Avenue just a short distance from the intersection with The Wool Road.

The accident happened about 1.45pm.

Paramedics at the scene said Mr Longbottom was alive but unconscious when they arrived, but he passed away a short time later while being treated inside the car.

Paramedics had to work through the passenger’s side door of the Hyundai Excel, as the driver’s side door was wedged against a tree.

During attempts the save Mr Longbottom a rescue helicopter was scrambled but was later called off.

Ambulance crews from Huskisson, Sussex Inlet and Bomaderry, including the Ambulance Rescue Unit, attended the scene.

Larmer Road was blocked for several hours as police investigated the cause of the crash.