Joel West dies while on the way to a fishing trip with a mate in Western Australia

A 12-year-old boy died last week after a horrific crash while fishing with his friend.

Joel West was in a car with a friend when they were hit by a Toyota Prado Dunsborough in Western Australia last Thursday.

He was airlifted to Perth Children’s Hospital and underwent a seven-hour operation on his femur, which was broken in two places.

He tragically died from his injuries earlier this morning, with his mother Roanna by his side.

“It is with a heavy heart that I am here to let you all know that young Joel left this earth yesterday morning and joined his father in heaven,” said family friend Jennifer McNab.

‘He fought very hard, but his liver and kidneys were so badly damaged that his body could no longer cope.

“His brother’s Roanna, Jesse and Darci and their extended family are obviously devastated.

‘Ro is so grateful for all the messages, calls, texts and support. Your kindness and compassion keep her going, so please keep going.”

The family is now calling for donations to support his funeral costs on GoFundMe.

Mrs. West was already struggling with loss after the death of Joel’s father.

‘We have had two very tough years. We lost the boys’ father… to suicide two years ago. It was just a nightmare,” she told ABC.

The family also had to leave their home in Dunsborough, where they had lived for 11 years, due to the rental crisis.

“We just couldn’t find a house, so we had to move to Eaton [one hour away]so that was unrest,” Ms West said.

Local police are working with the Major Crash Unit to investigate Joel’s death.

Anyone with information about the crash is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.