Tragically, three young friends returning from a weekend camping trip have lost their lives in a car accident in Perth’s south-east. The victims, Kyle Retallack, Joshua Cox, and Chloe Websdale, were travelling in a Nissan Patrol that collided with a tree on the Brookton Highway around 3pm yesterday, approximately 35 kilometres from the city centre.
Emergency services reported that the wreck was severely damaged, making the recovery of the bodies a challenging task that took over three hours. Acting Commissioner Mike Peters remarked on the distressing nature of the scene encountered by first responders, stating that it was an experience they would carry with them throughout their careers.
Joshua Cox’s family described him as a free spirit with a gentle heart, while friends remembered 27-year-old Kyle Retallack as a kind person known for his infectious smile. Chloe Websdale, just 23, was involved in A-grade cricket with the Rockingham Hornets, which expressed deep sorrow over the loss of such a vibrant member of their community.
Authorities have confirmed that none of the friends were speeding at the time of the accident and they were all wearing seatbelts. However, the cause of the crash remains under investigation. In a broader context, yesterday was tragic for Western Australia, with five individuals losing their lives on the roads. In addition to these fatalities, two teenagers died in a motorbike accident in Roebourne, and a 32-year-old rider was killed in a separate incident near Bunbury.
Commissioner Peters emphasised the police’s commitment to road safety, stating that they patrol the highways continuously but expressed frustration over the increasing number of fatalities. The community mourns the loss of these young lives, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures.