Main Roads to investigate ‘horrific’ intersection near where Perth grandfather died

4 days ago 6

Residents living near the spot where 60-year-old grandfather Johnny Gray died after his 1956 Chevrolet collided with another car have raised concerns around an intersection they say could have caused the crash.

On Friday, Police Minister Reece Whitby – who described Gray’s death as a “shocking tragedy” – confirmed Main Roads WA would be conducting their own investigation into the incident, alongside WA Police.

“We do know that he was on the wrong side of the road in terms of the area where he met oncoming traffic,” he said.

“How he happened to be there, why it happened, is a subject of a police investigation, and Main Roads are obviously aware of the issue and will be doing their own investigation.

“[Main Roads] always want to have best practice and the safest roads possible, so if there’s any lessons that are to be learned, they’ll follow those up.”

James King was one of the first on scene at the fatal crash and said the Romeo Road intersection near where the incident occurred – which connects drivers to the Mitchell Freeway – could be confusing.

“I go down Romeo Road a fair bit … I think having the entry and the exit so far apart, I’m not sure if that plays a part in it.

“Obviously, that late at night, there wouldn’t be many cars around. You’d just be an autopilot, I’m guessing, and I could see how it happened.”

King described the scene as “pretty horrific … out of this world almost”.

“I was asking around to see if anyone needed help, I’m just in a bit of shock, to be honest. The pink car, it’s just almost unrecognisable,” he told 6PR.

Felicia Hart, who also lives nearby, described Romeo Road as a “terrible intersection”.

“Myself included have almost taken the on-ramp to get on the off-ramp – it’s horrific, better signage needs to be put there.”

Gray has been remembered as “a devoted husband who always put others before himself” by his wife Moana.

“He had the biggest heart and touched everyone he met – always ready with his signature bear hug or a phone call if you needed him,” she said.

“He loved old school cars, shopping online, telling inspiring stories, and spending time with his true best friends—his dogs and cats, often with a beer in hand in the backyard.

“Johnny wasn’t just a loving husband, but also a proud dad, stepdad, and granddad. He gave back to his community, supporting charities and small businesses like Hey Perth and Simon Says.

“His presence lit up every room, and life will never be the same without him.”

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