Source : Perth Now news
A GoFundMe has been launched for the family of a Perth grandfather who was killed in a head-on crash while driving to Broome for a family holiday.
The 60-year-old was driving a RAM ute towing a caravan when it collided with a Toyota LandCruiser on North West Coastal Highway at Hamelin Pool, about 20km south of Overlander Roadhouse, about 11.30am on Monday.
The 45-year-old driver of the Toyota also died at the scene.
The grandfather’s wife and 12-year-old grandson, who were passengers in the RAM, were critically injured.
Both were flown to Perth on an emergency Royal Flying Doctor Service flight on Monday afternoon, with the child taken to Perth Children’s Hospital and the woman to Royal Perth Hospital.
They are now in a stable condition.
The fundraiser, created on Wednesday, remembers the 60-year-old as a “much loved father, grandfather and partner” and aims to raise $50,000 to support his family.
“Our hearts are broken for the whole family and we want to extend our condolences and strength during this time to everyone effected,” the GoFundMe read.
“On route to what was meant to be a memorable family holiday to Broome ended in unimaginable tragedy. On their journey north, they were involved in a devastating crash that claimed the life of a much loved father, grandfather and partner.
“His wife was also injured and remains in hospital – sending condolences, strength and healing vibes.
“(The) 12 year old remains in a critical condition and we are putting everything behind him and his family for safe and positive recovery.”
The fundraiser said the money will help ease the financial burden facing the grieving family as they navigate the aftermath of the crash.
“No family should have to endure the pain of losing a loved one whilst also facing unknown time in hospital, rehabilitation and financial uncertainty,” it said.
“We are here to come together to raise some funds for his family to help take some of the mental and financial load off that they are all carrying right now.”
Major crash officers are still trying to determine what caused the collision that killed the two men.
Josh Osgood, who travelled past the scene just minutes after the crash, described the aftermath as devastating.
“The vehicles were in a million bits,” he told The West Australian.
“I saw the guys with a medical bag running over to help.
“I hope the kid pulls through.”
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services also responded to the crash.
The collision forced the closure of North West Coastal Highway for several hours.
A selfless first responder recounted how she spoke quiet, gentle words to one of the drivers involved in the tragedy before they took their final breath.
Sandy Winkle was on her way home to Dunsborough from a holiday in Shark Bay when a RAM ute towing a caravan and Toyota LandCruiser ute collided on North West Coastal Highway at Hamelin Pool, about 20km south of Overlander Roadhouse, about 11.30am on Monday.
In the aftermath of the collision, Ms Winkle raced to one of the vehicles to help in the only way she knew how.
“It wasn’t a good scenario to come across,” she told The West.
“As a first responder it’s hard to know what to do if you have no medical background, so we thought, as a lot of us did, to stand out of the way and let the people who knew what to do help.”
Not wanting the driver to feel alone, Ms Winkle offered words of calm and reassurance.
“I did try to give the man some emotional help as there wasn’t too much anyone could do,” she said.
“I just kept reassuring him that help was on the way. Really, I was there so he wasn’t on his own.”
Ms Winkle stood back when emergency crews arrived and the man died a short time later.
The harrowing tragedy has understandably taken its toll on Ms Winkle.
“It’s been quite hard to be honest, I’ll get some support when I get home, I think,” she said.
Premier Roger Cook on Tuesday offered condolences to loved ones of the victims.
“It’s incredibly sad. And I just want our hearts go out to the families and friends and the community involved,” he said.
“Our thanks and appreciation goes to the first responders who are literally there as we speak, trying to deal with the aftermath of that particular event.”
The climbing road toll, he added, was “not good enough”.
“I could say to you that you know per capita deaths on our roads have reduced, but that’s not good enough,” Mr Cook said.
“Any death on our roads is one death too many and so we’ll continue to invest in in our road our road infrastructure funding process to continue to make our roads safer.”
Anyone who witnessed the collision or has footage of either vehicle travelling in the area beforehand, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online.
