Brooke Narelle Hicks: Alleged victim’s partner, friends in court as accused Jurien Bay fatal driver appears

The partner and best friends of a 19-year-old who died in an alleged hit-and-run near Jurien Bay last month say they want justice and answers as to why the driver allegedly failed to stop. Michael Mason and his partner, Green Head teenager Alexx Wright, were travelling in a van when they pulled over on Indian Ocean Drive about 5.40am on Sunday, May 26. Police allege the 19-year-old was struck by a vehicle travelling north after they stepped out of the van. The 19-year-old’s injuries were so severe they died at the scene. Jurien Bay woman Brooke Narelle Hicks, 45, was later charged with driver failing to stop to ensure assistance after an incident occasioning death and failing to report an incident occasioning death or grievous bodily harm. She first appeared in Geraldton Magistrates Court on Friday via a video link from Jurien Bay police station. Mr Mason and two of Alexx’s best friends quietly sat in the back of the courtroom during the brief appearance. Ms Hicks did not enter pleas and spoke only to confirm her name and say “thank you” at the end of the hearing. Defence lawyer Melissa Wishart told the court an application for legal aid was pending and more time was required for approval. Police prosecutor Sgt Paul White foreshadowed a Section 5 application would be submitted for the more serious charge to be dealt with on indictment. If approved, the charge would be dealt with in the District Court rather than as a summary matter in the Magistrates Court. The matter was adjourned and Ms Hicks’ bail was extended. She was granted leave to attend Jurien Bay police station for her next appearance in the Geraldton Magistrates Court on Thursday, July 25. Speaking outside court on Friday, Mr Mason said he and two of Alexx’s friends travelled from Perth to attend court in search of answers. “Someone so important to us has been taken, and we just need to know if they (allegedly) ran and left them at the scene because they were scared or because they thought they could get away with it,” he said. “No matter what penalty is done, there’s no bringing them back. There’s no taking away the pain that we’ve all been through. No one should have to bury someone they love.” Mr Mason said the couple had packed the van earlier that morning and were in the process of relocating to Perth. He said they pulled over to take a break and stretch when the incident unfolded. “I hear this massive, crashing impact. I immediately know something’s gone wrong. I’m sprinting up the road ... as I’m running in that direction, I see them lying on the road,” he said. “I felt for a pulse, and I felt two beats and then nothing. Their heart, their heart stopped whilst they were in my arms.” Mr Mason described Alexx as a “chaotic bundle of joy” who shared their positive energy with everyone. One of Chase Holmes’ favourite memories of their close friend was seeing Alexx’s happy face being spun in circles by Mr Mason during a gathering at Green Head. “He was bright, he was colourful, he was so creative. He wasn’t afraid of anything but willing to do everything. He lit up a room, which is so over said, but he really did,” they said. Hail Davis said they would miss meeting Alexx at the park near their house, where they would soak up nature on long walks. “They never left any room for doubt how much they cared and loved anyone, and something that I remember so clearly is their thoughtful, considerate generosity,” they said.