Family mourns Stephen Gibson after grandfather’s death in Muchea crash north of Perth

The grieving partner of a beloved grandfather killed in a rural crash says there are no words to describe the feeling of losing your soulmate.

Stephen Gibson, 57, was just minutes from home when his silver Ford Falcon — which was towing a trailer — and a grey Toyota Hilux collided in Muchea, 40 minutes north of Perth, on the afternoon of August 21.

Gibson suffered critical injuries and died at the intersection of Muchea East Rd and Wandena Rd.

His long-time partner Roanna Le Bron, 56, was a passenger in his car.

“It was absolutely devastating. There really aren’t words to describe what it feels like to suddenly lose the person you love, to lose your soulmate,” Le Bron told 7NEWS.com.au.

“Stephen was such a huge part of my life. We had so many plans and so much more life we were supposed to have together.

“To have him taken from us so suddenly has completely shattered our world.

“I still don’t think I’ve fully processed that he isn’t coming home. I keep expecting him to drive through the gate.

“It’s a pain I wouldn’t wish on anyone.”

‘I thought we’d grow old together’

Gibson and Le Bron had known each other since they were teens and been together for the last 11 years.

“Stephen was the love of my life, my best friend. He was strong, kind, he was my home,” Le Bron said.

“He had such a big personality, a sense of humour and he loved so deeply.”

She said they talked about getting married and “thought we’d grow old together”.

Gibson was a transport worker, a proud father of three sons and five stepchildren, and a loving grandfather of five.

“I think he will be remembered by how hard he loved his family and friends,” Le Bron said.

“He was always there for the people that mattered most, always willing to help a friend who needed it.

“We’ll remember the stories he told and the jokes he made.”

Le Bron suffered broken bones and internal injuries in the crash, and was taken by ambulance to Royal Perth Hospital.

She has been discharged but remains in a lot of pain at home. Loved ones have launched a GoFundMe to support her while she recovers.

The Hilux driver, a 32-year-old woman, was taken to Joondalup Health Campus.

The WA Police investigation into the crash is ongoing and authorities have appealed for witnesses to come forward. No charges have been laid.

7NEWS previously revealed WA’s road toll is the state’s deadliest in almost two decades, with 151 people killed in 2026.

The government says it is investing record amounts in road safety, including new mobile and fixed cameras.

WA Road Safety Commission educators are currently visiting schools as part of the Road Smart KickStart program for children in Year 7 and 8, and Road Safety Interactive for Year 9 students.

The interactive incursions are “gamified” and use immersive VR technology, aiming to embed safe attitudes and behaviour before students ever get behind the wheel.

“Even before kids are actual drivers, so whether they get their learner’s (permit) or their (provisional licence), they are road users,” Road Safety Minister Jessica Stojkovski told 7NEWS on Tuesday.

“They are passengers, they are pedestrians, they are cyclists and they use scooters, so giving them the courage to speak up when they see bad habits ... is really important.”