The young man who died when a car crashed and submerged at a NSW weir has been remembered as a kind and lively lover of cricket.

Western Sydney man Muhammad Kashif, 20, could not escape from the passenger seat of the car which plunged into the water surrounding Audley Weir, in the Royal National Park, and became submerged about 1.15am on Wednesday.

Kashif’s body was recovered by police divers hours after the 20-year-old alleged driver escaped the sinking car and swam to the surface, where he was treated for hypothermia.

Kashif’s friend Adeel Abbas told 7NEWS: “He was a very an energetic guy, always lively and always smiling.

“We are all in shock.”

Kashif was also an electrical engineering student and a “devoted son” who worked to help support his parents and two younger sisters, family friends said via a GoFundMe fundraiser.

“Kashif worked tirelessly to support his family and was a pillar of strength in their lives,” they said.

“His sudden passing has left a deep void, both emotionally and financially.”

The promising young cricketer has been remembered among his sporting community as a talented fast bowler and kind-hearted friend.

He “played cricket with his friends on a Sunday at every opportunity possible,” said Fairfield Liverpool Cricket Association, which Kashif represented in 2022 and 2023.

Sydney Smash Cricket League said Kashif’s death was “incredibly hard to believe”.

“He was a warm and kind-hearted person, both on and off the field.

“Young, bright, and always smiling.”

Charges laid for drivers involved

The surviving driver has now been charged with dangerous driving occasioning death — drive manner dangerous, and negligent driving (occasioning death).

He allegedly crashed with a second car moments before the car entered the weir.

A second driver, on his P-plates, has also been charged in relation to the crash.

The 18-year-old man is accused of racing the older driver, Sunrise reports.

He has been charged with drive motor vehicle while licence suspended, not comply P1/P2 high performance vehicle restriction, learner P1/P2 licence holder use mobile phone while driving, not comply P1 licence – no P plates, and possess/attempt to, prescribed restricted substance.

Both men were given conditional bail to appear before Sutherland Local Court on June 18.