Gold Coast truckie Paul Hetaraka hailed as a hero for selfless act moments before he died in a horror motorway crash

A lorry driver has been hailed as a hero after he made sure no one else was hurt in his final moments when his vehicle crashed on a busy highway.

Father-of-two Paul Hetaraca, 66, died after his truck crashed into a guardrail on the Pacific Highway at Gaven, north of Gold Coastat 6 am on Thursday.

Paramedics believe he may have suffered a medical episode at the time of the crash, but despite this he was still able to limit the effects of the crash.

Mr Hetaraka managed to pull off the highway to the safety of the side of the road to ensure no one else was injured by the out-of-control truck.

Social media users were quick to praise the late trucker, who emerged from the game as a hero.

Father-of-two Paul Hetaraka, 66, died at the wheel of his truck after falling ill at 6am on Thursday.

Tributes have poured in for the “bloody legend” who spent his final moments driving his truck off the road to make sure no one else was hurt in the ensuing crash.

Jonna-Lee Toy, raised by Mr Hetaraka, said Gold Coast Bulletin that she was in shock because of his death.

“(I was) shocked and numb when I heard the news of the disaster, I broke down, it wasn’t a good feeling at all,” she said.

“He was always there for me and all of us. He was loved by all the people who knew him.”

Others who didn’t even know Mr. Hetaraku praised his efforts and the fact that he thought of others on the road despite his plight.

“Rest in peace, you died a hero saving all these people from an accident, you are a true blood legend, flying high,” one person wrote.

“You are a legend and a hero mate, in your final moments you put others before yourself. Your family and other families will always remember you as a selfless, beautiful person, thank you,” added another.

Friend Bill Hartland joined in the praise and said the world had lost Mr Hetaraka too soon.

“RIP Paul Hetaraka, I will miss you mate, a true gentleman and a great man. It’s sad, it’s going to end soon,” Mr. Hartland said.

Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the crash or who may have dashcam footage to contact them.

The investigation into the tragic incident continues.