South Yunderup Mother’s Day tragedy: Shocking details emerge after Harrison McElroy, Kayla Shepherd killed
A young couple has tragically died following a “freak accident’’ on Mother’s Day in Western Australia.
Harrison McElroy, 24 and his partner Kayla Shepherd, 31, were struck by a Volvo station wagon after they pulled over in a southbound emergency lane on the Forrest Highway in South Yunderup on Sunday.
In a heartbreaking turn of events, Ms Shepherd’s 17-month-old daughter was in the backseat of the car at the time of the tragedy.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The driver of the Volvo stopped to assist at the scene and called emergency services, but both Mr McElroy and Ms Shepherd could not be saved, Western Australia Police confirmed in a statement.
Mr McElroy was also a father to an 18-month-old daughter, however, no reports have indicated she was in the vehicle at the time of the tragedy.
A GoFundMe page has been set up by Mr McElroy’s sister-in-law to help out the “devastated” family by giving the young father a “send off he deserves.”
At the time of reporting, the page has raised over $11,000.
Tributes from friends and family have been pouring in for the young parents.
A friend of Ms Shepherd’s, Kahu Beard, said the mum was “so loving and doting on her daughter”.
“(When I) first met her, she just lit up the room and it was just like magic,” she said.
Mr McElroy’s older brother Michael McElroy remembered him as a “kind hearted bloke”.
“He took each day as it came without a worry, he was the easiest going laid back young man I’ve ever met,” he told 7NEWS.
“He lived his life day by day and in the moment.
“He was a great father to his young daughter and a great son, uncle and brother.”
He went on to say he would miss the times they spent together getting up to “no good”.
“I’m going to miss seeing him walk around in his favourite dressing gown, I’m going to miss spending the nights by the fire drinking beers together,” he said.
“He made a huge impact on all our lives and on many others.”
It is still unclear why the pair had stopped on the side of the road.
It has been reported they were on their way to Mother’s Day celebrations in Waroona with gifts in hand.
Investigations are ongoing and police are appealing for any witnesses to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
