Mum's tribute to son, 21, killed while helping stranger change tyre
A heartbroken Perth mum has paid tribute to her son, 21, just days after he was hit by a car while helping a stranger change a flat tyre on the side of a busy road.
Jack McCormack was a passenger in an Ola ride-share early on Sunday morning when the Mitsubishi Outlander they were travelling in got a flat tyre, forcing them to pull over into the emergency lane on the Mitchell Freeway.
The talented lacrosse player and his ride-share driver had just finished swapping the tyres out when he was struck by a passing Toyota Prado, local media reports.
He was rushed to hospital but later died.
Jack’s mum, Natalie, spoke of her devastation over his death with 7 News on Tuesday.
“He was loved immensely by so many and he was an enormous presence, and a great, fun-loving guy who just absolutely took life by all the opportunities it brought,” she said.
Women stop to perform CPR
Nursing student Leah Pieterse, 19, and her friend Tori Ripper saw the accident and pulled over to perform CPR on the 21-year-old.
“We pulled over and all of us, even our Uber driver, got out,” Ms Ripper told 9 News.
“We put him in the recovery position, got everything out of his mouth and started compressions straight away.”
The women said Jack’s girlfriend was with him at the time and was “absolutely distraught”.
“In her situation, she couldn’t really do anything, she was just being with him,” Ms Pieterse said.
The driver of the Toyota Prado and Jack’s ride-share driver also tried to help the aspiring lawyer.
“The guy who hit him, like bless him, as soon as I got there he was like ‘Jack stay with us’, he knew his name, he was trying his hardest” Ms Ripper told 9 News.
Natalie thanked the two young women on Tuesday for trying to save her son’s life.
“We really wanted to thank the two girls who stopped to support Jack, their message was about the importance of first aid and we absolutely support that, Jack was first-aid trained since he was 16,” she said.
Devastated family create fundraiser for funeral
The 21-year-old’s family has created a GoFundMe to raise money for his funeral.
“We as a family are absolutely devastated and hope to raise money to help give Jack a wonderful send-off and just as he would have wanted any additional funds will be gifted to help others,” the fundraiser reads.
“We are so proud of our Jack, we will miss him beyond what words can possible say.
“It is so incredibly touching to see just how many lives he positively impacted in his far too short a life. A great guy that will be missed by so very many.”
A nursing student and her friend have revealed how they tried to save a 21-year-old man after a freak freeway accident. @MiaEgerton #9News pic.twitter.com/F88McyZqly
— 9News Perth (@9NewsPerth) August 30, 2021
The Wanneroo Joondalup Lacrosse Club posted a tribute to their teammate on Facebook.
“It's with a heavy heart we have to make a post. Unfortunately, Jack McCormack, one of our state league players has passed away in an unfortunate accident,” it reads.
“Jack was a character with a heart of gold. He is going to be sorely missed by a lot of people. Get around your mates here. This is a tough time for many people around the club and sport. Our thoughts and love goes out to his family and friends.”
WA Police told Yahoo News Australia "investigations into the crash are continuing."
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