Justyce Potaka-Kumeroa: Tributes flow for Geraldton teenager who died in fiery Xmas Eve crash

The 17-year-old boy who died in a fiery car crash in Geraldton on Christmas Eve is being remembered by family and friends as a kind and respectful soul with an “infectious smile” and a talented sportsman. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family of Justyce Potaka-Kumeroa to “give him the send off he deserves”. As of Monday morning, more than $7000 had been donated towards the goal of $20,000. Justyce died when the gold Nissan Tiida he was driving struck a tree on Marine Terrace, near Point Street, in Geraldton’s West End about 11am on Saturday. The car then caught fire and was found by first responders and witnesses engulfed in flames. The road was closed for most of the day as major crash officers from Perth arrived to examine the scene. A memorial will be held for Justyce at the crash site at 11am on Monday. His mother Marere Ihe Rangi took to Facebook to pay tribute to her “Justy boy.” “17 years I had you,” she wrote. “17 Birthdays, 17 Christmases. “I can’t imagine 17 years without you Justyce, I love you with everything I am. “Until we meet again my Justy boy.” The GoFundMe page organiser, Allee Bartlett, wrote: “Whether you knew him or not, no one can deny our Justyce had the most infectious and beautiful smile in town. Please help his beautiful family give him the send off he deserves. Any donation big or small will mean so much to them. “Taken way too soon our boy. You will always be in our hearts and in our minds.” In a Facebook tribute, Huia Woods-Smith said Justyce’s Olympians basketball family was in shock over his sudden death. “Our boy was only 17 years old, recently graduated high school and got his driver’s licence. Justyce played for the club through juniors. He also plated Buccs and GABA U-19s this year and was a member of the successful school team in the WA State school champs,” she posted. “Many of our younger players would have met him umpiring their games all through the 2019-20 season. He was known as a kind, gentle and respectful young man with a big beautiful smile.” The Geraldton Buccaneers also posted a moving social media tribute to the 17-year-old, who had signed a contract with the NBL1 West team for the most recent season. “Justyce was talented, kind, gentle and funny,” the club posted “He had the most beautiful smile which he was quick to share with all who were lucky enough to know him. “Justyce loved his basketball, playing juniors and seniors with Olympians and celebrating a number of championships with the club. He had a very close bond with his teammates and the wider club where he was encouraged and supported to play at the highest level.” It was only a fortnight ago that Justyce represented Geraldton in a competitive under-19s team. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, teammates and all who knew him,” the Buccs posted. “Please wrap your arms around those who are in need right now and reach out if you or someone you know needs extra support.” Justyce also played colts in the Great Northern Football League for Chapman Valley. Chapman Valley coach Aaron Thomas said Justyce was a “great young kid with such a positive attitude, always smiling and always willing to help. A lot of our Valley football community were very close with Justyce, so please let’s wrap our arms around anyone who needs it. RIP Justyce, gone way too soon but will not be forgotten at our football club. Our sincere condolences go out to his family and friends.” To donate to the GoFundMe page visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/all-for-our-justyce?qid=52188f2d44696c4201a0ed49338e6a35 WA’s road toll so far for 2022 is the highest it has been in six years, with the 48 hours in the lead-up to Christmas claiming lives and devastating families, with about two-thirds of fatalities taking place on regional roads.