Mum killed in SW crash ‘a Pilbara sunset: warm, beautiful’

The family of a former Karratha resident and TAFE staff member who died in a Bussell Highway crash at the weekend say she will be remembered as a warm and loving person by her family members and wide circle of friends.

61-year-old mother Jennifer Pratt was killed in a head-on collision in Capel about 4.45pm on Saturday , when a Toyota LandCruiser driving erratically on the highway crashed into her Toyota RAV4.

Ms Pratt’s family issued a statement today describing her as a happy and compassionate woman whose warmth won her many confidantes.

“Mum’s life has been tragically cut short,” they said.

“Not only did she leave her two kids, but a network of family, friends and communities across Australia, particularly in Busselton, Perth and the Pilbara (Karratha).”

“Mum’s brightness, beautiful smile and the way she listened and cared, meant that so many people loved and relied on her as a companion, someone to confide in and a true friend.”

“One friend in particular described Mum as a Pilbara sunset, warm and always beautiful.”

“Our thoughts and hearts are with Kaz and her family.”

Her family thanked those at the scene who had risked their lives to help her and asked for privacy.

Ms Pratt formerly worked at Pilbara TAFE in Karratha before returning to the Busselton area.

A long-time friend spoke through tears to The West Australian about a woman who “always saw the best in everyone”.

“She never hurt anyone,” she said. “She was never angry at anyone.

“She always so happy and bubbly. She had the biggest smile.”

Passersby rushed to help in whatever way they could at the crash scene on Saturday, with one man connecting a tow rope to the RAV4 and rolling it away from the burning LandCruiser with the help of others.

Ms Pratt’s passenger, a 54-year-old Busselton woman, managed to climb out of the car and is in a serious but stable condition at Bunbury Hospital.