Joel West dies while on the way to a fishing trip with a mate in Western Australia

A 12-year-old boy passed away following a horrific crash last week while he was heading on fishing trip with his friend. 

Joel West was travelling in a car with a friend when they were hit by a Toyota Prado Dunsborough in Western Australia on Thursday last week.

He was airlifted 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 earlier this morning, with his mother Roanna by his side.

‘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.

‘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 on GoFundMe. 

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. 

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.

Local police are working with the Major Crash unit to investigate Joel’s death.

Anyone with information about the crash is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.