Mandurah mum Stephanie-Jayne Battenfeld identified as passenger who died instantly in Kwinana Freeway crash

A Mandurah mum who lost her life in a crash in Baldivis on February 2 has been described as a loyal, caring person. Stephanie-Jayne Battenfeld died after the Ford Falcon she was a passenger in left Kwinana Freeway about 11.20pm and smashed into a tree. Ms Battenfeld died at the scene, leaving behind her children who “were her whole world”. The horrific crash closed the freeway for more than 10 hours. The 40-year-old driver survived after being taken to Royal Perth Hospital for treatment of his injuries. A fundraiser has been started to help cover the 44-year-old’s funeral costs, with a relative writing: “Last week, our beautiful Steph tragically lost her life in a car accident.” “The shock of losing her so suddenly has left all of us devastated, especially her children,” the GoFundMe stated. “Steph was a loving mum, a loyal friend, and someone who cared deeply for the people in her life. “Her children were her whole world. Sadly, Steph didn’t have anything set aside to cover funeral costs, and there are no funds available to ease this unexpected burden on her children as they try to navigate life without their mum. “Steph was always afraid of death; it was something that truly scared her. It breaks our hearts knowing she didn’t get the time she deserved with her children. Now, we just want to make sure she is laid to rest with dignity, love, and respect.” On Monday, donations sat at $450, while organisers hoped to collect $6000. Major Crash investigators appealed for witnesses to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report the information online here. Dash-cam or mobile phone vision relating to this crash can be uploaded directly to investigators here.