Justyce Potaka-Kumeroa: Moving tribute to teen killed in fiery Geraldton crash

A memorial service has been held for the 17-year-old boy who died in a fiery car crash in Geraldton on Christmas Eve, remembered by loved ones for his warm heart, smile, kindness and athletic ability. Justyce Potaka-Kumeroa died when the gold Nissan Tiida he was driving struck a tree on Marine Terrace in the West End about 11am on Saturday. The car then caught fire and was found by first responders and witnesses engulfed in flames. The moving service was held on Monday morning at the crash site, where the teen’s relatives were joined in their grief by his schoolmates and many sporting teammates. The large crowd of mourners sang hymns and prayed, placing flowers and basketballs against the tree trunk, which they wrote on. His mother Marere Ihe Rangi spoke with The West Australian afterwards, saying the investigation into the tragedy could take up to eight weeks and she did not want any speculation. “Justyce was as kind as he was warm and affectionate,” she said. “He was a peacemaker both between his friends and his friends and the teachers at school. “He was family-orientated and loved his brother. “Even growing up he was called the gentle giant. He just displayed peace and kindness all the time.” Basketball was his life, she said. “He loved playing and he loved training. He wanted nothing more but to travel the world and to play his sport,” she said. Just a few days ago, they had a conversation about his future, having only just graduated from high school. “Justyce said ‘I want to travel everywhere and I want to play basketball. I want to come home and tell you about all the places I have seen and all the things I have done’,” she recalled. She told him that sounded great but gently suggested he “get a trade or something … just in case”. He replied: “Just in case what?” One of his former teachers Derek Goforth said that exchange was him all over - sure of himself but humble. “He wanted to play the sport he loved but he wanted to come home and tell his mum all about it,” Mr Goforth said. “He was quiet, well spoken and had a smile that would light up the classroom. “He was a great leader on the court and had the respect of his teammates and opponents. “Geraldton has lost a great young man with unlimited potential. We have lost a future leader and friend to many.” Justyce’s basketball coach told the service about his hard work and commitment, saying “he was the only player who would turn up to training no matter what” while Northhampton Senior Football Club, which he had recently joined, paid their respects on social media. “Moving to a new club isn’t easy, but he made it look that way,” the club wrote. “He was always smiling, and always with his mates. “Such a quiet yet wonderful, kind and talented young man, friend and team mate. “Rest in peace mate. Your smile will be missed around the club.” A GoFundMe page has been set up to help pay for Justyce’s funeral, raising almost half of the $20,000 target in the first day.