Hundreds of insurance professionals have paid tribute to “one of a kind” broking leader Tim Wedlock, who was fatally injured in a road accident in Nashville, Tennessee.

As insuranceNEWS.com.au has reported, Mr Wedlock (pictured below) and three other pedestrians were allegedly struck by an 87-year-old driver who went through a red light. Mr Wedlock – who was on holiday in the US with his wife Prue – was taken to hospital but later died.

The 58-year-old executive chairman of AEI Insurance Broking Group and former president of the National Insurance Brokers Association was hugely popular and respected as a passionate industry advocate. He was particularly dedicated to helping attract the next generation of talent to insurance broking.

More than 300 comments paying tribute to Mr Wedlock and his legacy have already been left on the AEI and Insurance News LinkedIn pages.

“Rest easy mate. Thank you for everything you gave to our profession,” wrote Lockton’s Cameron Sheild.

Former NIBA CEO Dallas Booth described Mr Wedlock as “a true legend” of the industry, while Insurance News founder Terry McMullan said he was “an intelligent and selfless influence on the broking profession”.

Insurance Advisernet MD Shaun Standfield said Mr Wedlock’s energy "was boundlessly shared with everyone that knew him".

"His compassion for the insurance industry, Gordon Rugby, the transport industry won’t be forgotten. His true love was his family. His eyes lit up when he discussed Prue, Matt, Ash and his extended family."

NIBA today said the award-winning Mr Wedlock’s contribution was “immense and immeasurable”.

Current president Nick Cook began his career alongside Mr Wedlock at Guardian Royal Exchange about 40 years ago, and he says the loss is “deeply personal”.

“Tim had a way of lifting the people around him – generous with his time, sharp in his judgment, and always in your corner. The broking community has lost one of its giants, and I’ve lost a dear friend.”

NIBA vice president Rebecca Wilson said Mr Wedlock’s warmth was “matched by his generosity”.

“Tim was a great mate and a wonderful mentor to so many of us,” she said. “He gave his time freely, backed people when it mattered, and carried a genuine care for this profession and everyone in it. That spirit is how he’ll be remembered.”

NIBA CEO Richard Klipin said the loss would be felt deeply across the association and wider community.

“NIBA is a strong and tight-knit community, built on people who are exceptionally giving of themselves,” he said. “When loss arrives, and especially a shock like this, it is felt by every one of us.”

AEI MD and CEO Noel Kelly yesterday told insuranceNEWS.com.au that “we are all devastated”, and today the leadership of parent company AUB Group paid tribute.

In a joint statement, CEO Mike Emmett and chief broking officer Ben Bessell said Mr Wedlock was “one of a kind”.

“His passion for the things he loved, his commitment to business, and his contagious enthusiasm for life were always on display,” they said.

“The general insurance broking profession is in a better place as a result of his dedication to education and professionalism.”

Mr Wedlock leaves his wife Prue, son Matt and daughter Ash. insuranceNEWS.com.au will publish service details once they are confirmed.