Javarn Doyle pleads guilty to Clarke Creek triple fatal crash

Memories of a beloved young man have been shared as the man who was responsible for his death fronts court.

John Gus Kershaw, pictured with his sister Clair, was 18 years old when he and two others were killed in a tragic accident at Clarke Creek, about 190kms north of Rockhampton, on November 11, 2021.

The names of two Rockhampton people killed in a fatal crash two years ago have been made public as the driver of the vehicle pleaded guilty to causing their deaths.

John Gus Kershaw, 18, and Kathleen Anne Whelan, 57, were killed alongside two-year-old Izaya Japerson in a single vehicle crash on Marlborough Sarina Rd at Clarke Creek on November 11, 2021.

The driver of the vehicle, and Izaya’s father, Javarn Roy Doyle entered a plea of guilty to one count of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death in Rockhampton District Court.

Parents of two-year-old Izaya Jasperson who died tragically in a car crash on Sarina Marlborough Rd in Clark Creek, Kira Jasperson and Javarn Doyle. Picture: Facebook

Doyle allegedly had drugs in his system while behind the wheel, travelling from Rockhampton to Nebo with his partner Kira Jasperson, their son and two others, when the car left the road near Grave Gully Bridge and collided with a culvert about 10.15pm.

It is understood the vehicle flipped and rolled in a muddy ditch, pinning some passengers under the vehicle, about 168km south of Mackay.

Paramedics had to wade through mud amid heavy rain to reach the heavily damaged car.

Izaya and Ms Whelan were pronounced dead at the scene.

Ms Jasperson was taken to Rockhampton Hospital with serious head, facial and pelvic injuries from which she later recovered.

Kira Jasperson with her son Izaya. Picture: Contributed

Mr Kershaw died from his injuries on the way to hospital.

His sister, Clair, spoke with The Morning Bulletin about her fond memories of her younger brother.

She said while she was older than John, he acted like a protective older brother, always looking out for her.

“As a kid, he was the sweetest little helper,” Clair said.

John Gus Kershaw, pictured as a toddler, was 18 years old when he and two others were killed in a tragic accident at Clarke Creek, about 190kms north of Rockhampton, on November 11, 2021.

“He would always help our mum out and our step dad.”

She said John loved his aunties, cousins and siblings - Clair, Shyanne, Ty and Michael.

Clair said her brother loved his scooter and fishing and was always “joking around”.

She said John always helped her out, whether it was making sure she had food or walking her home late at night.

John Gus Kershaw, pictured as a teenager near Rockhampton's memorial pool, was 18 years old when he and two others were killed in a tragic accident at Clarke Creek, about 190km north of Rockhampton, on November 11, 2021.

“He just wanted to make sure I was always safe,” Clair said.

She said just before his death, John was being led astray by “mates” but she was trying to help him get on the right track.

“He loved helping people in any way possible, even if it got him into trouble.

“He was the best uncle to my fur baby. He loved Smoosh, my dog, so much. Every time he would see Smoosh, he would always have a bone for him.

“Late at night, when I needed to go home (two years ago), he would walk me all the way home and watch me close my front door to make sure I was safe before he left to go back to his house, even though it was an hour each way.”

She said when John died, he was only a baby, with so much yet to experience in the world.

“He didn’t even get to explore any of the world,” Clair said.

“He didn’t get to go clubbing or anything.”

She said she now lives every day of her life, doing the things he didn’t get to do for him and for herself.

Clair said she got a tattoo in his memory.

“He is now resting in peace with our dad (Ronald),” she said.

John Kershaw with his dad, Ronald, and sister Clair.

Mr Doyle had three family members sitting in the back of the courtroom, while the family of one victim appeared by video link.

Clair said she would have returned to Rockhampton if she had known about the court session.

Police reported at the time of the accident that it was believed Izaya was not properly restrained and others in the vehicle were not wearing seatbelts when the tragedy occurred on Marlborough Sarina Rd at Clarke Creek on November 11, 2021.

Doyle’s defence barrister Sheridan Shaw told the court she was waiting for a psychological report that would assist the court in sentencing.

Doyle’s matter has been adjourned until January 29 for mention.