Clackline WA crash: Three brothers and family friend killed in Wheatbelt smash remembered as much-loved members of Plymouth Brethren Christian Church

The scene of a high speed crash that claimed the lives of three young brothers and a family friend was so confronting that emergency responders were offered counselling. 

Rhys Davies, 21, was driving a Nissan Navara on the Great Eastern Highway near Clackline in Western Australia's Wheatbelt region when he lost control of the ute, veered onto the wrong wide of the road and slammed into a tree  at about 12.30am on Friday.

Mr Davies and his brothers Ambrose, 19, and Strahan, 9, all suffered catastrophic injuries and died at the scene about 80km north-east of Perth, along with family friend Bob Martin, 45, who was visiting from NSW.

Mr Martin was in the front passenger seat while the two younger brothers were in the back.

It's been revealed that the victims were all much-loved members of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church.

The tragedy has rocked the tightly-knit religious community. 

'This is a very sad day. All four people killed in this tragedy were much-loved members of both our church and wider communities,' church spokesman Lloyd Grimshaw told The West Australian.

'We are a very supportive church, and we are giving the family and friends of the people involved in the accident the help they need.

'On behalf of the church, I'd like to thank the emergency responders who have been very professional and compassionate in their response.'

It's understood Mr Martin had taken time away from the Brethren with his wife before the couple returned to the church fold eight years ago. 

The ute was described as 'crumpled mess' by first responders to the crash and have been offered counselling. 

Northam Shire president Chris Antonia told Seven News the crash had left locals reeling. 

'It's just an absolute tragedy you don't expect it to happen so when it does it feels like a double tragedy,' he said. 

WA Police Superintendent Gene Pears said his heart goes out to the families involved. 

'When you lose three young men in the prime of their life and a friend this will have lifelong impacts for that family, their friends and our community,' he said.

The tragedy took Western Australia's road toll to 55 lives lost so far in 2024.

 The tragedy sparked a plea from WA Premier Roger Cook to slow down and take care on the road.

'That family and indeed the community will be hurting. We cannot begin to understand the level of grief that they must be experiencing,' he said.

'To the rest of the community, we say, let this be a continued reminder that driving on roads is a dangerous activity and we must take every care we can to protect ourselves and to protect our loved ones.

'I just continue to implore everyone; take care on the roads.  Look after yourself. Look after your loved ones.'

The investigation into the crash is ongoing.

Major crash investigators urge anyone with information, dash cam or saw the silver Nissan Navara utility travelling in the area prior to the crash to call Crime Stoppers.

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