Kersbrook crash victim, Bradley Walkley, 24, remembered by wife as ‘best dad in the world’, as more than $30k raised for his family

The community has rallied behind the young family of Bradley Walkley after he was killed in a crash at Kersbrook less than a month after his wedding day.

The community has rallied behind the young family of Bradley Walkley raising thousands of dollars after the 24-year-old was killed in a tragic crash this week.

Mr Walkley posted on social media an hour before his death on Thursday night about the joy he felt on his wedding day, which took place just three weeks ago. 

The Gawler South man, 24, died after crashing his car into a tree on Kersbrook Rd at Kersbrook about 9pm on Thursday.

Emergency Services rushed to the crash scene but were unable to save Mr Walkley.

A fundraiser was set up on Friday to support Mr Walkley’s new wife Samantha, and his two young kids, Leo and Nayvah.

‘Those of you who know Brad would know he was always happy and smiling,” the organisers of the fundraiser wrote.

“All donations will go straight to the family to lay Brad to rest and support Samantha and their two children moving forward.”

It has attracted nearly $32,000 of donations in two days.

Distraught loved ones gathered at the scene on Friday morning, leaving flowers in Mr Walkley’s memory.

Mr Walkley’s wife, Sammy, said he was a much-loved community member and a great father.

“I’ll never, ever, ever let his memory die,” she said while fighting back tears to 7NEWS.

“He was honestly my best friend … hands down the best dad in the world.”

“I love you Brad and I wish you could just come home, cause we need you, I can’t do it by myself,” Mrs Walkley added.

The Sedan Cambrai Football and Netball Club, of which Mr Walkley was a member, took to social media to inform others in the club of his death on Friday afternoon.

“Brad will be remembered by the SCFNC community as not only a brilliant footballer, but as the happiest and friendliest mate, and the most committed husband and dad,” they wrote.

“In times like these we need to hold our loved ones close and support each other in this difficult time … RIP Brad, you are going to be sorely missed by all.”

Tributes flowed for Mr Walkley on social media on Friday morning as people came to terms with his sudden death.

Bradley Walkley’s Facebook post at 8pm on Thursday, an hour before he was killed in a crash. Picture: Facebook

One woman wrote her son-in-law was taken too soon.

“You will forever be in my heart … You rest in peace beautiful boy,” she said

Another woman wrote she would miss Mr Walkley’s dance moves and singing.

“You were a person who lit up a dark room and filled it with light and laughter,” she said.

“I promise to always look after your little family.”

One man said he was devastated to lose Mr Walkley.

“Not a day will go by that I don’t remind your babies how amazing their dad was,” he said.

“Rest in peace, I love you … and you will be missed by many.”

His death was the 72nd life lost on the state’s roads so far this year, compared to 64 this time last year.

Flowers are seen left at the scene where Mr Walkley died after crashing his car into a tree on Kersbrook Road near Bagshaw Road, Kersbrook. Picture: Russell Millard

Mr Walkley’s death was the same day SA Police’s officer in charge of the Traffic Services Branch, Superintendent Bob Gray, sent a plea to motorists to take care on the roads this long weekend.

Supt Gray, said the fatal five factors – speeding, distraction, drink and drug driving, not wearing a seat belt and dangerous driving – are well known contributors to crashes.

“Every road crash is avoidable and the smallest mistake can cause catastrophic harm,” Supt Gray said.

One motorist died and two people were seriously injured over the October long weekend last year.

Donate to Mr Walkley’s family here