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6 months ago
25
A 12-year-old boy has passed away following a horrific crash while he was heading on an Easter long weekend fishing trip with his friend.
Joel West was travelling in a car with a friend when they were hit by a Toyota Prado at Dunsborough, north of Margaret River in Western Australia, on March 28.
He was airlifted to Perth Children's hospital and underwent a seven-hour operation on his femur which had broken in two places.
The crash also left him with broken ribs, severely damaged liver and kidneys and in need of 20 units of blood.
Joel tragically died from his injuries on Sunday with his mother Roanna by his bedside in ICU.
His death marks the second tragedy to strike thee family in two years after Joel's father took his own life.
Joel West (pictured), 12, has tragically died after a horrific car crash last week while on a fishing trip with his friend
'It is with a heavy heart that I am here to let you all know that young Joel left this earth yesterday morning and has gone to be with his Dad in heaven,' family friend Jennifer McNab said in a GoFundMe.
'He fought very hard, however his liver and kidneys were so badly damaged that his little body couldn't cope any longer.
'Roanna, his brother's Jesse and Darci and their extended family are naturally devastated.
'Ro is so grateful for all messages, calls, texts and support. Your kindness and compassion is keeping her going, so please keep it coming.'
The family are now calling for donations to support his funeral costs.
Ms West was already struggling with loss after the death of Joel's dad.
'We've had a very tough two years. We lost the boys' dad … to suicide two years ago. It's just been a nightmare,' she told the ABC.
He was travelling in a car with a friend when they were hit by a Toyota Prado Dunsborough (pictured)
The family also had to leave their home in Dunsborough, where they had lived for 11 years, because of the rental crisis.
'We just couldn't find a house, so we've had to move to Eaton [one hour away], so that's been turmoil,' Ms West said.
Western Australian police are working with the Major Crash unit to investigate Joel's death.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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