A popular rugby player has been killed in a horror car crash, sparking an outpouring of tributes.
Joseph ‘Joe’ Simpkins, 28, was behind the wheel when his car crashed into a roadside barrier the Tonkin Highway near Perth Airport early Sunday morning.
He was one of four lives lost in a horror weekend on WA roads.
Kalamunda Rugby Union Club has been rocked by the tragedy where he played and coached and revealed the devastating news to its members on its Facebook page on Monday.
‘He was the loyalist of loyal friends and loved and respected in the Kala and wider rugby community.
‘His loss leaves THE BIGGEST hole in the hearts of many.’
‘His kindness, infectious laugh and amazing gift for bringing people together for a good old yarn will be sorely missed.’
Joseph ‘Joe’ Simpkins, 28, (pictured) was the driver of a car that crashed on the Tonkin Highway, near Perth Airport, about 1.45am on Sunday.
Mr Simpkins (pictured) was a fixture at his rugby union club, starting as junior and making it to premier grade. He was currently coaching the Under 15s while he was rehabbing his injured knee
Simpkins began with the club as a junior and progressed through the ranks all through to premier grade.
He had recently been coaching junior teams while ‘rehabbing a knee injury’.
A Rugby WA spokesperson told Seven News that talks were being held as to how best honour Simpkins’ memory and service to the game in a ‘fitting way’.
‘The tragic event on Sunday morning has deeply affected all of us,’ they said.
‘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.
‘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.’
Tragically, Mr Simpkins crashed into a roadside barrier (pictured)
The popular rugby player (pictured) will be honoured for his service to the sport
It was a horrific weekend on WA roads, with four people killed, including Mr Simpkins.
A single-vehicle crash in Yalgoo claimed the lives of a 33-year-old mother, a nine-week-old baby boy and a 21-year-old woman.
The passengers had been returning to Geraldton after going to a funeral in Meekatharra when their Toyota Hilux rolled about 10.50pm on Geraldton-Mount Magnet Road.
Three others in the car were also all were taken to hospital.
A 22-year-old man is in a critical condition, and a 43-year-old and another 22-year-old are stable.
The state has seen its highest number of fatalities for this time of the year in over a decade, with 114 lives lives lost.
Road Safety Commissioner Adrian Warner said the number one cause for the state’s high statistics is speed which is ‘preventable’.
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