A 12-year-old boy died after a horrific accident last week while heading on a fishing trip with his friend.
Joel West was traveling in a car with a friend when they were hit by a Toyota Prado Dunsborough in Western Australia on Thursday last week.
He was flown to Perth Children’s Hospital and underwent a seven-hour operation on his femur, which had broken in two places.
He tragically died from his injuries this morning, with his mother Roanna by his side.
Joel West tragically died after horrific accident in Western Australia
“It is with a heavy heart that I am here to inform you that young Joel left this earth yesterday morning and went to be with his father in heaven,” said family friend Jennifer McNab.
“He fought very hard, but his liver and kidneys were so damaged that his little body couldn’t take it anymore.
‘Roanna, Jesse and her brother’s Darci and their extended family are naturally devastated.
‘Ro is so grateful for all the messages, calls, texts and support. Her kindness and compassion keep her alive, so please keep it up.”
The family is now asking for donations to cover his funeral costs on GoFundMe.
Mrs. West was already struggling with loss after the death of Joel’s father.
“We have had two very hard years. We lost the children’s father… to suicide two years ago. “It’s just been a nightmare,” he told ABC.
The family also had to leave their home in Dunsborough, where they had lived for 11 years, due to the rent crisis.
“We just couldn’t find a house so we had to move to Eaton (an hour away), which has been chaos,” Ms West said.
Local police are working with the Major Crash unit to investigate Joel’s death.
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact Crime Stoppers.