Caleb Arthur killed in Grafton car crash: mother Kerri speaks out

The mother of a young father-of-three killed in a tragic car crash in Grafton earlier this month says “there are no words” to describe her pain but has bravely spoken out “to honour his memory”.

Caleb Arthur with mum Kerri and her partner Mark and extended family. Caleb is holding his baby daughter Nova

The mother of young Grafton man Caleb Arthur, killed in an horrific car crash earlier this month, says “there are no words” to describe her pain but has bravely spoken out “to honour his memory”.

Kerri Arthur’s world was shattered when she learnt of the crash that claimed her 25-year-old son’s life on June 4.

“My heart is truly broken,” Ms Arthur said.

“There are no words to describe the pain that a mother feels when her child leaves this earth.”

The car he was driving left the road and smashed into a billboard and a tree along Big River Way at South Grafton.

One of Kerri's favourite photos of her son Caleb Arthur.

Emergency services rushed to the scene of the single-vehicle crash about 3.20pm but tragically Caleb died prior to the arrival of paramedics.

Ms Arthur said her son was “so loved” and that he returned that love to all around him.

“He was the most loving, devoted and genuine young man with the biggest heart,” she said.

“He would drop everything to help anyone in need.”

She says Caleb adored his partner Karla, and their three children Tyler, Nova and Freya.

Caleb Arthur and his partner Kayla. They have three children together - Tyler, Nova and Freya.

“Karla and Caleb have been together for eight years. She is taking this very hard.”

Caleb loved playing football for his local team the South Grafton Rebels sometimes playing alongside his brother Lachlan.

Caleb and his brother Lachlan.

The crash that claimed Caleb’s life came just two weeks after 20-year-old Maddie Colless-Pracy died when the car she was driving north along the Pacific Hwy left the road south of Coffs Harbour at Bonville just after 12.40am on May 22, crashing into a tree and bursting into flames.

Her 21-year-old passenger also died at the scene, while 20-year-old Tallyn Holten managed to escape but faces a long road to recovery.

The state’s death toll sits at a horrifying 164 lives lost on our roads so far this year.

This number is up on 154 at the same time last year.

Caleb Arthur died in a single car accident near Grafton on June 4.

The Grafton community is rallying behind Caleb’s family establishing a GoFundMe campaign to support funeral costs for the young father.

It has already raised $3415 of a $5000 target.

Caleb’s cousin Yazmin Bateman has organised the fundraiser and says Caleb was cheeky and fun loving.

“No parent should have to bury their child under these circumstances and as you can appreciate, this is a tough time for everyone emotionally and financially,” she writes.

She hopes the campaign will help Caleb’s family and friends and in particular – “his gorgeous girls, to give their daddy the send off he so graciously deserves”.

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