Jarod Vella identified as Peak Downs Highway fatal crash victim as tributes flow

A community is in mourning after a young man lost his life in a tragic truck rollover on a major highway, with friends remembering his ‘big cheeky grin’ and generous spirit. Here’s what loved ones said.

Tributes are pouring in for a young man who tragically lost his life in a single truck rollover on Friday, with loved ones heralding him as a man who would do “anything for anyone”.

Paramedics were called to the Peak Downs Highway crash site, near Epsom and Nebo, in heavy rain about 4pm and worked to revive Jarod Vella who sadly died at the scene.

Loved ones have taken to Facebook to share tributes to the young Farleigh man, 24.

‘He was just the nicest person, always had a big cheeky grin on his face — would do anything for anyone’. Picture: Facebook

Luke Vella remembered Mr Vella’s easy grin, posting “rest easy legend, don’t stop smiling up there cause you never did when you were here. Gonna miss ya pal.”

Edmond Dexter grew up around Mr Vella, and easily recalled the 24-year-old’s generous spirit, saying he would “do anything for anyone”.

“Just a really genuine person that will be missed greatly throughout the community,” Mr Dexter said.

“He was just the nicest person, always had a big cheeky grin on his face — would do anything for anyone.

“So sad, we are all very upset about the news, can’t believe he’s gone.”

‘You’re nothing shy of a f***ing absolute legend’. Picture: Facebook

Others remembered Mr Vella as a “legend” with promises to commemorate his life.

“Love ya mate! You’re nothing shy of a f***ing absolute legend! I’ll have some beers for you buddy, RIP I love ya heaps,” Alex Mau said.

Brodie Martin posted a similar sentiment, saying “RIP mate. Having a few beers for you tonight”.

“Rest easy, brother, will miss you,” Jack Falt said with Tyler Roberts echoing the sentiment through a post saying “Rest easy brother”.

Russell Parchert posted saying Mr Vella was a “young man taken too early”.

“Will be missed by everyone he came in contact with,” Mr Parchert said.

“Till we meet again mate. RIP”.

Jarod Vella tragically lost his life in a truck crash on Peak Downs Highway in Epsom on November 26, 2021. Picture: Facebook

Mr Vella’s family were contacted but did not want to contribute at this time.

Multiple emergency crews including a helicopter were called to the scene of crash about 10km west of The Retreat Hotel on Friday at 4pm.

The poor weather prevented RACQ CQ Rescue chopper from attending.

It is understood Mr Vella’s truck had rolled and crashed, trapping the young man underneath the vehicle with a critical head injury.

Despite efforts to revive him, he was not transported to hospital and died at the scene.

It is understood the truck was carrying industrial gas cylinders.

Anyone with information relating to this incident is urged to contact police.

The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating.

Originally published as Jarod Vella identified as Peak Downs Highway fatal crash victim as tributes flow