Joseph Simpkins: Rugby player, 28, dies in horrific crash in Perth
A popular rugby player has died in a horrific car crash, prompting a flood of tributes.
Joseph ‘Joe’ Simpkins, 28, was behind the wheel when his car crashed into a guardrail on the Tonkin Highway near Perth Airport early Sunday morning.
He was one of four people killed during a horrific weekend on Western Australian roads.
Kalamunda Rugby Union Club is shocked by the tragedy where he played and coached and announced the devastating news to its members on its Facebook page on Monday.
‘He was a 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 wonderful gift for bringing people together for a good story will be greatly missed.”
Joseph ‘Joe’ Simpkins, 28, (pictured) was the driver of a car that crashed on the Tonkin Highway, near Perth Airport, around 1.45am on Sunday.
Mr Simpkins (pictured) was a regular at his rugby union club, starting as a junior and progressing through the premier grades. He was currently coaching the Under 15s while recovering from his injured knee
Simpkins started at the club as a junior and rose through the ranks to the top flight.
He recently coached junior teams while ‘recovering from a knee injury’.
A spokesperson for Rugby WA said Seven news that discussions were underway about how Simpkins’ memory and his contribution to the sport could be honoured in a ‘suitable manner’.
“The tragic event on Sunday morning has deeply affected us all,” the spokesperson said.
‘The club’s board will meet tonight to discuss how we can best support members and the wider community during this incredibly difficult time.
‘As this is a very personal matter for the entire club community, we will be guided by their decisions on how they wish to remember him and we will respect their decisions.’
Tragically, Mr Simpkins crashed into a guardrail along the road (photo)
The popular rugby player (pictured) will be honoured for his services to the sport
It was a horrific weekend on Western Australian roads, with four people killed, including Mr Simpkins.
A 33-year-old mother, a nine-week-old baby and a 21-year-old woman were killed in a single-vehicle accident in Yalgoo.
The passengers were returning to Geraldton after attending a funeral in Meekatharra when their Toyota Hilux overturned on the Geraldton-Mount Magnet Road at about 10.50pm.
The three others in the car were also taken to hospital.
A 22-year-old man is in critical condition, a 43-year-old and a 22-year-old are stable.
The state’s fatality rate for this time of year is the highest in more than a decade, with 114 people dead.
According to Road Safety Commissioner Adrian Warner, the main cause of the state’s high traffic figures is excessive speed, which is “preventable”.
