Mother’s plea after daughter survives head-on crash in the Pilbara

Michelle Leslie was on the other side of Australia in Ipswich, Queensland, watching her nephew’s rugby league match when she received the news her daughter was involved in a head-on collision near Roebourne.

Jasmine Whitfield, 24, was in the car with friends when the Toyota Prado collided with a Toyota HiLux on North West Coastal Highway on May 23, claiming the lives of both drivers, 29-year-old Dakota Tahi Tahi and a 21-year-old man.

“I was just in shock when I heard the news,” Ms Leslie said.

“I was panicking, just in disbelief, all the emotions — my family were with me when I received the call. Not knowing if she was all right was what made it harder.

“The crash happened that afternoon. We didn’t find out until night time.

“Our deepest love and condolences for Dakota’s family.”

Ms Leslie is calling for financial support through GoFundMe, so she can be at her daughter’s side during her recovery in the trauma unit at Royal Perth Hospital.

“It’s hard because I don’t have leave from work, so this is why we’ve put the GoFundMe out, to raise funds just to help with Jasmine; if she needs things and getting me to and from the hospital. Accommodation is a big factor too, it’s expensive,” she said.

“Any help I can get, we both really appreciate this, because I’m going to extend my stay from four weeks to 10-12 weeks to be with Jasmine through all of her appointments.

“I’ve got no income coming in, as of next week.”

Three other female passengers in the Prado were injured, including 19-year-old Manawa Hinaki, who was also flown to Royal Perth Hospital with critical injuries.

The collision brings the number of road deaths between Karratha and Roebourne to four in 2025 so far, compared with two in 2024.

Teenagers Dennis Hicks, 16, and Ethan Howard, 17, died in a motorbike crash near Cleaverville Road in March this year.

The Pilbara community is now calling for better safety measures on the highway.

In a statement, a Main Roads spokesperson said in recent years, it had delivered a range of upgrades to improve safety on North West Coastal Highway, including two overtaking lanes, widening and installing an audible edge and centre lines on the 38km section between Roebourne and Karratha.

“When travelling on regional roads, it’s critical all road users plan ahead, manage fatigue and distractions and be aware of the road conditions when travelling long distances,” the spokesperson said.

“As with all fatal crashes, a police investigation will be undertaken.

“In accordance with Main Roads’ crash investigation policy, the agency will also undertake its own fatal crash investigation to determine if any road environment factors contributed to the severity of this crash.”

Pilbara District Acting Supt Matt Froude urged all motorists to drive safely at all times.

“We continue to remind motorists to always drive safely on our roads right across the State, and keep in mind the wellbeing of others,” he said.

“WA Police continue to see crashes from drivers that fall victim to the ‘fatal five’ across the State, which continue to be overrepresented in fatal and serious crashes.

“These are speeding, impaired driving (alcohol/drugs), non-use of restraints/helmets, distracted driving (use of mobile phones), and fatigue.

“Our officers do not want to knock on your door to deliver devastating and life-changing news about the loss of a loved one on our roads. Please take care on our roads so everyone can arrive at their destination safely.”