A young mother who now has to raise her two children alone after losing her husband in a head-on collision has made a poignant plea.
Kody Bell, 24, his brother William, 21, and driver Jaziah Thomas, 24, were tragically killed after the Audi A3 they were riding in crashed into a Kia Stinger on Sixty Eight Road in Baldivis, south of Perth, on Wednesday .
All three died at the scene, leaving their friend Tyler Rowe, 21, as the sole survivor from the Audi.
Gabrielle Bell broke down in tears as she paid a heartfelt tribute to her husband Kody and vowed to always protect their son Laiken and daughter Violet.
She also made a desperate plea because she doesn’t want other families to have to endure the same nightmare she did.
Kody Bell is survived by his wife Gabrielle and their two young children Laiken & Violet
‘I hope everyone drives safely and is careful, take care of yourself. Make sure you hold your loved ones and tell them how much you love them every day, cherish your moments,” she posted on Facebook on Friday.
Mrs. Bell told me later Seven news: ‘I just hope that people can be safe on the roads and not drink and drive because all it leaves behind is grief and sadness for everyone who loved them.’
Mrs. Bell recalled their last moments together as a family, not knowing it would be the last time she would see him.
‘I saw him just before the accident. “He was with me and his family, dancing and singing to his favorite songs,” she said.
Ms. Bell and Kody were together for almost nine years and married in March 2021.
Kody Bell (pictured with his wife on their wedding day) was one of three men killed in the crash
The horrific crash left Jaziah Thomas, 24, and brothers Kody and William Bell, aged 24 and 21, dead immediately after the Audi they were riding in collided head-on with a Kia Stinger
Mrs Bell broke down as she paid tribute to her husband.
“This is something I never thought I would have to do,” Ms. Bell said.
“Losing you so suddenly has been the hardest part of my life. You have two beautiful babies who will miss and love you forever.
‘You were a caring, empathetic and cheeky man who loved us and you were proud to be a father.
“The hole in my heart will never be filled knowing that you won’t be here to watch Laiken and Violet grow up, to walk (Violet) down the aisle like you planned to one day.
“I am proud to be your wife and to have your children. I will protect them and love them forever, as I will love you until my last breath.”
Ms Bell also paid tribute to the other victims of the crash and thanked emergency workers who did everything they could to save them.
A brave Gabrielle Bell fought back tears as she urged Australians to be careful on the roads
Jaziah Thomas (left) and Kody’s brother William Bell (right) were also killed
Mrs Bell also lost her brother-in-law in the crash.
“Our family is devastated by the loss of Will and Kody,” she said.
‘William was a funny, caring and vibrant man who loved many and was loved by all. He was the godfather of my children and a proud uncle. I was proud to call him my brother-in-law.’
“I’m glad you had each other until the end and that you can both find peace in knowing that you were loved very much.”
A online fundraiser for Mr. Bell’s funeral and to support his young family, he raised more than $25,000 in one day.
As you can imagine this is an incredibly difficult time for all friends and family and I have started this gofund to help raise the costs of Kody’s funeral arrangements and ongoing living expenses for his wife and 2 young children.
The investigation into the crash is still ongoing.
Detective Senior Sergeant Adam Matson told reporters on Thursday that several factors, including speed, were being looked at as possible causes of the crash.
“Speed is certainly one of the factors we look at, but we’re not going to look at that in isolation,” he said.
Gabrielle described her husband Kody Bell (pictured) as caring, empathetic and sassy