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ROCHESTER fruit growers killed in a crash at the weekend were nice guys who worked hard.
While their names have not been released, the two men, 53 and 52, would often visit the Criterion Hotel to eat dinner after long days picking fruit in the area.
Believed to originally be from Asia, the two men were "held in high regard" in Rochester after working there for some years.
"They used to eat here and have a meal and a couple of beers after work. We knew Cheng fairly well," pub owner Adam Parker said.
"They were lovely people and it's not nice for anybody."
Two teenagers were also killed as a result of the collision, which occurred just before 10pm on the Heathcote-Rochester Road at Burramboot.
"It shouldn't have happened and it's definitely a tragedy," Mr Parker said.
Police are investigating speed, alcohol and irresponsible behaviour as possible causes of the crash.
Two teenagers were travelling south in a Holden sedan, which veered off the road and collided with a four-wheel drive travelling in the other direction.
Assistant Commissioner Robert Hill said "excessive speed" and possibly alcohol had been a factor, with witnesses also reporting "hoon behaviour" shortly before the crash.
He said it was believed the young driver of the Holden and his passenger had been consuming large amounts of alcohol throughout the day at a nearby campground.