A 'beautiful' young woman who was tragically killed when a truck driver allegedly mounted the kerb has been remembered by her heartbroken family for her kindness and love of animals.
Mackenzie Blake, 21, was walking home after finishing her shift at McDonalds last Monday when she was allegedly struck by a disqualified driver in the Blue Mountains.
Emergency services were called to the Great Western Highway, near the intersection of Layton Avenue, at Blaxland, just after 2.15pm, to reports a truck had hit a pedestrian.
Despite the best efforts of paramedics, Mackenzie, who had been walking along the footpath, could not not be saved and died at the scene.
Truck driver Mustapha Ghamrawi, 54, was uninjured and was taken to hospital for mandatory testing, before being taken to Katoomba Police Station.
Mackenzie Blake, 21, (pictured) was tragically killed after allegedly being struck by a disqualified driver while walking home in the Blue Mountains last week
He was charged with dangerous driving occasioning death – drive manner dangerous, drive motor vehicle during disqualification period and negligent driving (occasioning death), and remains in custody.
Tributes have poured in for the beloved young woman who leaves behind her devastated mother Tracy Blake and older brothers Rowan and Jordan.
Ms Blake said Mackenzie had the 'biggest heart' of any young person she's ever known and 'was a truly beautiful daughter'.
'For me she was a true gift, my rock, my wise advisor, the light of my life and my very best friend,' Ms Blake told Daily Mail Australia.
'She was so proud of her brothers that joined the Australian Defence Force, one currently still serving. They were her protectors and are devastated because they couldn’t protect her from what happened.'
Ms Blake said Mackenzie was oblivious
