By Daile Cross
The woman who died in a crash during the Perth Bikers' Charity Ride on Sunday was passionate wildlife advocate Katrina Reeve, 39.
Ms Reeve posted to social media: "Best day of the year, Teddy Bear day," before embarking on the toy run in support of the Salvation Army's Christmas Appeal on Sunday.
She had volunteered helping animals at the Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and was remembered by her friends there.
Katrina Reeve, 39, died when her motorbike crashed on the Mitchell Freeway during a charity ride on Sunday.Credit: Facebook
"Our deepest sympathy thoughts and prayers are extended to the family of one of Kanyanas long standing volunteers," the centre's statement read.
"We are all deeply saddened by the loss of such a passionate wildlife advocate and one who will be missed as a highly valued member of our team."
Karlee Reeve posted that the world had lost an "absolutely beautiful soul".
"Kat was a well known wildlife rehabilitator and she was one of the most amazing carers I ever had the privilege of meeting, I felt like a kid on Christmas morning the day I met her- to meet one of my biggest idols in rehabilitation was a dream come true," she said.
"I can not thank Katrina enough for her help both in rehabilitation and personal matters over the last three years, she could be running on two hours sleep and would still be happy to help you at 1am in the morning, she was a selfless person with a heart made of gold."
A police spokesman said Ms Reeve crashed on the northbound lane of the Mitchell Freeway near Whitfords Avenue just after 9.30am. The 39-year-old died at the scene.
The spokesman said it was believed she lost control of the Honda motorcycle she was riding and hit a guard barrier on the side of the freeway.
A man who stopped after the crash, Steve Beresford, posted a heartfelt message on social media.
Perth charity motorcycle ride to collect toys for the Salvation Army's Christmas Appeal ended in tragedy with the death of a motorcyclist. Credit: Facebook
“I’m posting this on a couple of pages hoping that this information reaches the family of the young lady who lost her life this morning ... I just want them to know that she wasn’t alone,” he said.
“I didn’t have the privilege of knowing her but I was her friend this morning. I sat with her, I held her hand and I comforted her.
“I told her that she is loved. I told her she wasn’t alone. I told her that she will be missed. I thanked her for letting me sit with her. I don’t know how long I sat with her but I’m grateful of our time together.”
Three others were rushed to hospital after the accident on Sunday morning.
Two riders braked heavily to avoid crashing into Ms Reeves' bike, the police spokesman said.
A 67-year-old man and his 56-year-old pillion passenger, as well as the second rider, a 59-year-old woman, were taken to hospital by ambulance.
A Royal Perth Hospital spokeswoman said the male rider was in a critical condition and the 59-year-old woman was stable.
The 56-year-old woman was taken to Joondalup Health Campus and is in a stable condition.
Ride organiser Colin Scott said he found out about what had happened during speeches at the end of the ride. They held a minute’s silence and paid their respects.
“It affects us all,” he told Radio 6PR. “It was very sad for the families who were injured and for the people who have supported this event and have tried to make it a good thing over 45 years.”
Bikers who participated in the annual event give a gift to the Salvation Army Christmas Appeal and join the ride.
Katrina Reeve's bike on the day, decorated with toys for the charity ride.Credit: Facebook
Mr Scott said organisers would meet with Main Roads and police in the coming days.
“The accident occurred quite a way back in the ride, so us as the organisers were already at HBF Arena helping people park their bikes. We can’t make any assumptions so until we know the results of a proper crash investigation it’s hard for us to say exactly what caused the accident,” he said.
He said motorcyclists had long had concerns about cable barriers used on the freeway. They were good for stopping cars, but could be tragic if a motorcycle hit one.
“There is no evidence that we are aware of, of anything specific. The biggest rumour is ... that possibly someone waved and lost control. Which unfortunately is a rider error and it’s, virtually, impossible for us to mitigate things like that,” Mr Scott said.
The Salvation Army WA also released a statement saying it was “deeply saddened that a life was lost and others seriously injured” while taking part in the ride.
“We also extend our prayers and hopes for those injured in this incident for a full recovery. We pay tribute to a valued life but are also assured that hope was delivered on her behalf yesterday through all of the riders on the 45th Bikers Charity Toy Run,” the statement said.