Bria Joyce, Josh Moore: Police officer, mechanic killed in crash at Red Cliffs

The mother of a young mechanic killed in a crash near Mildura, which also claimed the life of a dedicated police officer, says she is broken by the tragedy.

The mother of a 23-year-old mechanic killed in a horror crash near Mildura, which also claimed the life of a dedicated young police officer, says she is broken by the loss of her generous son.

Josh Moore was killed in a major three-car crash at Red Cliffs on Friday night.

Senior Constable Bria Joyce, 25, also died, sending “ripples through the entire force”.

Josh’s mother, Edith Moore, said her son was a driven and generous young man.

“I’m not sure how to word anything, we are broken,” she said.

“He would give you his last dollar if you needed it.”

Josh loved camping and spending time in the bush, and made friends easily.

“Josh was such a character anyone could count on him for anything at any time. Josh loved being out in the bush, it didn’t matter who he was with or even if he was on his own,” she said.

Edith added: “He drew a picture in kinder and it said when I grow up I want to be a mechanic. If he had a goal he was determined to reach it,” she said.

“We were so proud of him living his dream of being a mechanic.”

Josh is survived by his father David and younger sister Bianca. Josh also had an older sister, Miranda, who died as an infant.

Ms Moore said they were devastated “beyond words” the crash had killed a police officer.

Josh Moore has been remembered for his generosity and big heart. Picture: Submitted

Senior Constable Bria Joyce who sadly died in a collision at Red Cliffs overnight. Picture: Victoria Police

Senior Constable Bria Joyce had been an officer for six years. She was working with highway patrol but also worked as a uniformed officer.

Mildura man Dale Barclay, said officer Bria Joyce saved his child last year when she “got into trouble” in the Murray River.

“Bria was keeping an eye on us and asked me if I was OK,” he said.

“A short time later my child did get into trouble. Bria, along with her two friends came and helped bring my child onto shore under difficult circumstances and stayed with her until emergency services arrived.

“I don’t know what would have happened if Bria was not there that day.”

Police association CEO, Wayne Gatt said the officer’s life was “cut short in their duty to the community”.

“Your sacrifice can’t be measured,” he said.

Senior constable Thomas Kinnane, 43, was also flown to hospital in a critical condition.

It is understood Senior Constable Kinnane suffered internal injuries and leg injuries in the horror smash.

“He will be recovering for quite some time,” Mr Gatt said.

The father of three is now in a serious condition at the Royal Melbourne hospital and is said to be improving.

Mr Gatt on Saturday addressed the media outside the Mildura police station.

“This is just another indescribable loss for Victoria Police,” he said.

Preliminary investigations by the major collision investigation unit show a Nissan ute driven by 23-year-old Josh Moore travelling in the opposite direction veered off path, crashing into the police car head-on.

The vehicle travelling behind the police car, containing two adults and three children, then collided into the rear of the police.