Mick Wilson, 41, died when a helicopter winch line he was attached to was cut during the rescue of two canyoners at Carrington Falls, southwest of Wollongong, on Christmas Day.

The Wilson family has launched an appeal to assist his surviving wife Kellie and their three children.

Supporters can donate at any Commonwealth Bank branch.

Account 10247793

The wife of a paramedic killed during a complex rescue operation on NSW's south coast paid tribute to her husband the day after Christmas by saying, "Michael's passing has left an immeasurable void and we'll love him for eternity," Kellie Wilson told reporters.

"There are many people out there who owe their lives to my beautiful husband."