Partner of Joel Loechel, killed in Swanport Bridge truck smash, posts bittersweet tribute online
THE partner of a young mechanic tragically killed in a truck crash near Murray Bridge has posted a bittersweet tribute to her “best friend”, saying he will always be the love of her life.
THE partner of a young mechanic tragically killed in a truck crash near Murray Bridge has posted a bittersweet tribute to her “best friend”, saying he will always be the love of her life.
Joel Loechel, 21, of Seaton, died when his silver Holden Commodore ploughed into a truck carrying heavy machinery on Swanport Bridge on Wednesday.
The young footy player has been remembered as a “genuine” fun-loving person who loved fitness and always had a “cheeky smile” on his face.
Mr Loechel’s partner of four years, Taylah Deacon, posted a screenshot of their last conversation online in an emotional tribute.
“To know that the love we shared was so strong, I couldn’t ask for anything more,” she wrote.
“All I want to do is hear your voice and make you laugh and see your smile.
“Why did you have to leave me, you were my best friend, the person who I could talk to about anything.
“You will always be the love of my life, you were taken from us way too soon.”
Dozens of his friends took to social media to mourn the loss of the former Coomandook Area School student and mechanic at Holden.
Friend Chris Kohler wrote a heartbreaking tribute to his “soulmate”.
“Whenever I needed help with anything you were the guy I called, we would hang out and tried to keep out of trouble nearly every weekend.”
“The memories we shared together will never be forgotten. You always called us soulmates and we always will be Joel.”
Timothy Smith wrote: “You stuck up for me when everyone was against me. Thanks for the time we spent together.”
“This is a pure tragedy and you will be forever loved and missed by the ones who knew you,” Amber Seacomb said.
“Rest in peace Joel Loechel, you were a great lad. We would always have a joke on and off the field. I will miss those memories from back in under-16s will miss you mate,” Jake Venning said.
The Mallee Football League, where Mr Loechel played for Peake and Districts Football Club, and the Karoonda Districts Football Club, expressed their condolences to his family.
“The Mallee Football League are deeply saddened to hear of the untimely passing of Joel Loechel,” league secretary Lou Boughen said.
The impact of the smash destroyed the car and left debris strewn along the Swanport Bridge, which was closed in both directions for hours afterwards.
The truck driver, 47, was treated in Murray Bridge for minor injuries.
Major Crash investigators are now investigating how Mr Loechel’s sedan ended up on the other side of the road.
It’s not the first fatal truck smash on the Swanport Bridge — beloved teacher Maria Dowdell, 61, was killed when a truck veered on to the wrong side of the road and crushed her car in 2015.
The bridge speed limit was lowered from 110km/h to 80km/h after that crash.
Truckie Kenneth Laurence Pillar, who claimed his constant coughing fits and blackouts had caused the crash, was sentenced to almost four years in jail.