Joel Weeks mourned after fatal Valentine Plains car crash

Businesses have shut down in a small Queensland community rocked by the loss of a 21-year-old killed in a crash which also saw two other teenagers injured. SPECIAL TRIBUTE

Joel Weeks was just 21 years of age when he died in hospital after a crash.

Businesses in the Biloela and Thangool region closed their doors as word spread that the victim of the fatal accident at Valentine Plains, east of Biloela, was 21-year-old Joel Weeks.

He was only three months shy of celebrating his 22nd birthday when his life was tragically taken in the crash that also left two female passengers injured.

Police said the Toyota HiLux Mr Weeks was driving rolled along Lake Callide Drive.

Emergency services rushed him to Biloela Hospital but he was declared deceased.

Two passengers in the vehicle, an 18-year-old woman and a 17-year-old girl, suffered minor injuries and were taken to hospital.

Both women have since been released.

Joel Weeks was just 21 years of age. Picture: Facebook.

The young man is being mourned by friends, family and the wider community, with many businesses closing their doors out of respect for the highly-esteemed local family following Mr Weeks‘ tragic passing.

HUNDREDS OF TRIBUTES FOR LIFE LOST

Less than 48 hours after Mr Weeks’ passing shocked the community, hundreds of people have made efforts to share their condolences for the family.

“My thoughts and prayers go out to your family I was only blessed to know you a short time but (you) made a huge positive impact on my life,” one friend on Facebook posted. Others wrote “rest easy” and “fly high”.

Valentine Plains batsman Joel Weeks in action. Photo Allan Reinikka / The Morning Bulletin

Biloela Bowls Club posted a moving tribute on Facebook, vowing to take care of Mr Weeks’ parents in the wake of his passing.

“Joel, we will miss seeing your cheeky grin. Thank you for always lending a hand, making us laugh & for being you,” the post read.

“We are such a tight knit family at the bowlo, our hearts are so broken for you all … it’s just too much to even comprehend that this has happened.”

A tribute site has been set up, with flowers being left to remember Joel Weeks. Picture: Facebook.

More friends continue to share their kind words and fond memories of Joel to social media, as a community mourns the life of a young man taken under shocking circumstances.

“Really hits hard that we won’t be seeing you again bro, stay safe up there! Til next time,” one friend posted on Facebook.

“Our town is a sadder place,” one user said.

“Joel was larger than life and he will be truly missed by so, so many,” said another.

“There are no words that can take away your pain but please know you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time,” said one Facebook user, directing their sincere condolences to Mr Week’s family who are well known in the community.

“You were like family to all of us.”

‘INSTANTLY ANYTHING CAN CHANGE’

Earlier in April, Mr Weeks took to Instagram to share an image of himself smiling, captioned with the words: “Don’t take what you have for granted because. Instantly anything can change.”

Callide MP Bryson Head said that the tragedy would have long-lasting effects on the entire community.

Only 680 people live in the tight-knit community of Thangool and 5600 reside in Biloela, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2021 Census.

Joel Weeks at his school formal in 2018.

“Whenever a life is lost under these circumstances it‘s heartbreaking for the community,” Mr Head said.

“This is only made worse when it’s someone so young.

“My condolences go out to the family and friends of Joel.”

The Queensland Police Service Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the circumstances and is appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the crash or may have relevant dashcam and CCTV to come forward.

The crash comes after a Yandina man died when he was ejected from his car in a single-vehicle crash on the Bruce Highway at Canoona, north of Rockhampton, on Monday.

The 25-year-old was declared dead at the scene.