Kwinana Freeway fatality: Ebony Somerville named as woman struck after running out of fuel in Stake Hill

A young Collie woman, who was tragically hit and killed by an SUV on the Kwinana Freeway, has been remembered as a free spirit. Ebony Somerville and another woman were waving down cars for help after running out of fuel on the Kwinana Freeway, near Mandjoogoordap Road in Stake Hill, at about 10.40pm on Thursday when she was struck by a red Mitsubishi Outlander. She suffered devastating injuries and died at the scene. The West Australian understands that Ms Somerville and her friend were driving from Collie to see friends in Perth. Family friend Storm McLarty set up a GoFundMe on behalf of Ms Somerville’s family to help pay for funeral costs. She remembered the 26-year-old as a compassionate, loyal, and free spirit. “Ebony was 26 living her life as only she did, to the absolute max all the way. She lived her truth, and there was an air that she possessed that very few can carry as gracefully as she did,” she said. “Ebony had a warmth that touched you, a smile that could light the darkest day. Ebony was and always will be like a beautiful melody, unaware often of her own magic. “Her laughter was contagious and her warrior spirit had her getting back up no matter how many times she got knocked down.” Ms McLarty said Ms Somerville’s mother was grateful for all the kind words and the close-knit Collie community had been left shocked by the tragedy. “Ebony had a fierce love for her family and friends, Ebony and her mother were best friends their bond unshakeable,” she said. St John WA crews took the second woman, aged in her 20s and understood to be the passenger, to Rockingham General Hospital to be checked over and treated for shock but she was not injured. The driver of the Outlander was not injured. Authorities recommend that anyone who breaks down on the freeway should try, if possible, to exit the freeway or move the car to the emergency lane. Those in the car should avoid leaving the vehicle. Major crash investigators would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the Stake Hill crash or saw the red Mitsubishi Outlander or the female pedestrian in the lead-up to the crash. Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online.