Carlisle crash: Geraldton man Blaine Jason Clinch-Parfitt revealed as third fatality in tragic triple fatal

A Geraldton father-of-four killed in a tragic triple fatal car crash in Perth is being remembered as a family-orientated man and loveable yarn spinner who will “never be forgotten”. The close-knit family of Blaine Jason Clinch-Parfitt, 34, are paying tribute to their son, grandson, father and Rovers Football Club fanatic, after he died in a horror car accident, along with two others, while in Perth visiting his sick mother. Jayden Rukuata, George Te Kani, both 22, and the Geraldton local tragically died at the scene after the white Holden ute they were in collided with a tree and smashed into the back of a home on Orrong Road, in the Perth suburb of Carlisle, about 5am on Saturday. Another 19-year-old was in a stable condition and a 23-year-old is fighting for life in hospital on Wednesday. The driver of the car, Zack Heylen, is accused of accelerating at a speed of 114km/h before impact and has been charged with three counts of manslaughter and two counts of aggravated dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm. During a gathering at the family home in Mount Tarcoola on Wednesday, Blaine’s family recalled fond memories of him. His heartbroken mother Fiona Clinch-Wright said she was getting through day-by-day with the backing of family, friends and the wider community. “The devastation, not just for us but for everyone. The impact he made on so many people in the community has been heart-warming,” she said. “My heart will never fully mend after losing him.” Blaine was Ms Clinch-Wright’s only son, leaving her with one daughter. She said it was hard losing her only son, but she was staying strong for his children. “I have to be there for his children. He was a good son but a better father,” she said. “We will all keep his memory alive through stories and photos to show his boys. He will never be forgotten.” Blaine had hitched a ride to Perth with someone unfamiliar to him because Ms Clinch-Wright was in hospital with an infection following open heart surgery. Blaine’s family believe he did not know the others in the Holden ute, but was simply chasing a lift. Farren Parfitt, 28, will remember his oldest brother as the family yarn spinner, constantly making jokes and keeping smiles on faces. “He was just always a great storyteller, a funny storyteller and he was just had a big heart and gentle soul,” he said. Mr Parfitt urged others not to risk travelling with strangers or people they did not trust, as you never know if you will make it back home. “You gotta trust the people you get in a car with,” he said. Blaine’s grandmother, Sandra Comeagain, said he was an all-rounder, with a passion for his family and strong supporter of Rovers Football Club. “He was always with his kids. He was always wanted to be a dad, he was always there for the little ones. He was a family man and a beautiful grandchild,” she said. Blaine was a father of four sons, including 13-year-old Dominique Clinch, who bravely spoke to the Geraldton Guardian about his father on Wednesday. “In two months I turn 14. I just wish he would have been there for my birthday,” he said. “I went outside and grabbed his jumper and hugged it, hoping he wasn’t hurt badly.” Dominique shared cherished memories of his dad, who he said was always loving, supportive and spread encouragement to all. “When we moved into our new house, me my mum and dad laid down on the grass and all reminisced about good memories,” he said. The boy said the family planned have a “feast to celebrate him” at the Rovers Football Club. “His impact was bigger than anyone could ever imagine. He knew so many people and everyone loved him,” he said. “We are slowly healing, all of us.” The Clinch-Parfitt family gave their condolences to the other families who have been affected by the tragedy, and thanked the community for the overwhelming support received. Mr Heylen appeared in Northbridge Magistrates Court on Wednesday, where it was revealed he had racked up seven speeding infringements and one fine for using his mobile phone while behind the wheel in the five years before the crash. He was granted bail with conditions not to drink alcohol or drive. The court was previously told he had returned a preliminary breath test of 0.095. Mr Heylen will return to court later this year.