Michael Smith: 59-year-old trainee delivery driver revealed as fatal crash victim

A close-knit community in the Wheatbelt is grieving after a delivery driver in training died after his work vehicle collided with a tree on his commute home from work last week. Fifty nine-year-old Michael Smith is being remembered as a “true angel” as his family, friends and colleagues grieve his death after a devastating car crash took his life in Throssell — near Northam. Mr Smith — the sole occupant of the vehicle — tragically died at the scene while heading north along Northam-York Road between York and Northam after the Ford Autopro transit he was driving hit a tree about 6.25pm on Monday July 3. He tragically suffered critical injuries at the scene. It can be revealed Mr Smith had been working as a delivery driver for Autopro Northam and was only a trainee before he died on his way home from work. Speaking with The West Australian, Bevan Penny, manager of the auto parts store said his workplace was “shellshocked” by his death. “We have sympathy for his family... We have spoken to his sister, she’s in shock,” he said. “He seemed to be enjoying his work.... It’s just a tragedy. He was coming back from his day’s work and he was driving a company vehicle. “We have been doing the delivery run for 25 years and this is the first fatal. We’ve never had an accident.” Several regional businesses took to social media to offer their condolences to the Northam-based store after they made a heartbreaking post announcing Michael’s passing. “Condolences to all our Autopro family on the sad loss of Michael! May you rest in peace,” said Wongan Hills Mitre 10. Avon Malley Mitsubishi added: “We are so sorry to hear this sad news. We are thinking of your team.” Friends of Michael — who they nicknamed “Sickel” — are remembering the 59-year-old as having the “biggest heart”. “It’s always the good ones... he was an amazing man, best friend to hundreds,” said Donna Webb. “All who knew ‘Sickel’ became friends with him, that’s just the type of guy he was.” Anyone with information relating to the crash is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestopperswa.com.au Dash-cam or mobile phone vision relating to this crash can be uploaded directly to investigators via this link: https://wapf.au.evidence.com/.../public/fatalcrashnortham If you or anyone you know has been affected by a road crash, contact Road Trauma Support WA on 1300 004 814.