By Rebecca Peppiatt and Amber Wilkinson
Gooseberry Hill residents have recalled hearing a car in the moments before a Toyota Corolla hit a tree and rolled off a road and down an embankment, killing a 16-year-old boy.
Dylan Soklich was a passenger in the back of the car being driven by his 17-year-old friend on Wednesday night when the accident happened on William Street just before 9pm.
First responders desperately tried to save his life, but he died a short time later in St John of God Midland Hospital.
“I held him as if he were mine,” Robyn Mickle said.
“It was a very sad night.”
Another teen, 18, was also a passenger in the car.
“We got here and the boy in the back was most injured, so we just went to him straight away and supported him,” Mickle said.
Another passerby said he spoke to the driver, who said he was upset and didn’t know what happened because he couldn’t remember.
Both he and the 18 year old were airlifted to Royal Perth Hospital.
Soklich’s brother Jamie told Nine News Perth the Lesmurdie Senior High School student loved his family, especially his mum.
“Dylan was the most loving and caring person and an even better brother,” he said.
“Everyone loved him and for good reason. He had the sweetest soul.
“I love you Dylan. Everyone misses you so much.”
On Thursday WA Premier Roger Cook said it was a tragedy that occurred in a split second.
“These are kids in the prime of their life looking forward to a future and just as a result of making a split second decision or lack of control they could lose their lives,” he said.
Family, friends and first responders returned to the scene on Thursday, leaving flowers and messages.
Police are now investigating what caused the tragedy.