A man killed in a devastating highway crash in Perth at the weekend has been identified as Joseph Simpkins, a popular figure in WA’s rugby community.
Simpkins, 28, was driving a car that crashed into a roadside barrier on Tonkin Hwy, near Perth Airport, about 1.45am on Sunday.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Man killed in crash near Perth Airport.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today
His death has sent ripples through the state’s rugby fraternity, with his club remembering him as someone who was “loved and respected”.
“Always around The Bull Pen with a smile, his kindness, infectious laugh and amazing gift for bringing people together for a good old yarn will be sorely missed,” the Kalamunda Districts Rugby Union Club said in a tribute on Facebook.
“He was the loyalest of loyal friends and was loved and respected in the (Kalamunda) and wider rugby community. His loss leaves the biggest hole in the hearts of many.”
Simpkins rose through the ranks from junior to premier grade rugby and even turned his hand to coaching under-15s while rehabilitating from a knee injury.
RugbyWA said discussions are underway to determine a “fitting way” to honour Simpkins’ service and memory.
“The tragic event on Sunday morning has deeply affected all of us. The club’s committee will be meeting tonight to discuss how best to support the members and the broader community during this incredibly difficult time,” a spokesperson told 7NEWS.com.au.
“The committee is working closely with everyone involved to ensure the necessary support is provided and to determine the most fitting way to honour Simpkins’ service and memory in the coming days.
“As this is a deeply personal matter for the entire club community, we will be guided by and respect their decisions on how they choose to remember him.
“RugbyWA is committed to offering support through access to well-being services and counselling for anyone who may need it during this incredibly challenging period. Our thoughts are with Joseph’s family, friends, and the entire club community.”
Simpkins was one of four people killed on WA roads over the weekend.
A 33-year-old mother, a nine-week-old baby boy and a 21-year-old woman died in a single-vehicle crash in Yalgoo on Saturday night.
They were returning to Geraldton after attending a funeral in Meekatharra when their Toyota HiLux rolled on Geraldton–Mount Magnet Rd about 10.50pm.
Three others in the car that crashed remain in hospital, including a 22-year-old man who is in a critical condition. The others, aged 22 and 43, are stable.
WA’s road death toll stands at 114 fatalities in 2024, the highest at this time of year in more than a decade.
“Speed is the number one factor in our road safety statistics and it’s eminently preventable,” Road Safety Commissioner Adrian Warner said.
Deadly year on Aussie roads
Warner’s message comes after Australia recorded its deadliest 12-month period since 2012.
1310 people died on Australian roads in the year to June 30, 2024, up from 1173 a year earlier, the Australian Automobile Association revealed in July.
AAA managing director Michael Bradley said the figures showed Australia needs a new approach to addressing road trauma.
“We need a data-driven response to a problem killing more than 100 people every month,” Bradley said.
“States and territories must report data they hold about the causes of crashes, the quality of roads, and the effectiveness of policing, so it can be used to produce more effective road safety interventions.”
WA Premier Roger Cook said: “We will continue to invest in great road infrastructure and we also need people to make safe choices as well.”