A teenager is clinging to life as tributes pour in for his popular South Fremantle footballer friend killed in a horror crash in Perth’s south.
Tyler Rowe was a passenger in a Toyota Hilux and was badly injured when it rolled and collided with a black Jeep Patriot SUV on Farrington Road in North Lake just before midnight on Saturday.
The 18-year-old was still in a critical condition in the intensive care unit at Royal Perth Hospital on Monday morning.
Beloved South Fremantle colts footballer Nick Campo, who was also a passenger in the Hilux, was killed in the crash.
Fellow South Fremantle footballer Josh Jackson and another passenger were in stable conditions in RPH on Monday morning.
The 26-year-old male driver and 27-year-old female passenger of the Jeep were taken to Fiona Stanley Hospital for treatment to minor injuries.
The 17-year-old driver of the Hilux is due to face Perth Children’s Court on Monday charged with dangerous driving occasioning death, three counts of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm and two counts of dangerous driving occasioning bodily harm.
In a heartbreaking tribute on Sunday, Mr Campo’s parents said their lives had been “ripped apart” by their son’s death.
“In the early hours of this morning our beautiful son Nick passed away after he was involved in a tragic car accident, our lives have been ripped apart, 18 years old, a future with so much hope taken away, we are praying others in the car involved will be ok,” they wrote.
South Fremantle Football Club chief executive Cameron Britt said the club was in deep shock.
“South Fremantle Football Club is deeply saddened by news of a car accident overnight involving several of our colts players, resulting in the tragic death of South Fremantle footballer Nick Campo,” he said.
“We are a club in deep shock, focused upon supporting our players, staff and their families in these tragic circumstances.
“We ask that all involved are given the appropriate space and respect to grieve.”
Police are asking for anyone with information regarding the crash or who saw the Toyota Hilux in lead-up to the collision to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online here.
Dash-cam or mobile phone vision relating to this crash can be uploaded to investigators here.