Tributes flow honouring “true champion” Jaxon Peakall, young Amelup farmer killed in firefighting efforts

Tributes have poured in for the much-loved 34-year-old farmer and volunteer firefighter who tragically lost his life last week while helping firefighting efforts in the Shire of Gnowangerup. Many have taken to social media in the days since Jaxon Peakall’s death on December 16, remembering the young Amelup man as a “true champion”. Mr Peakall was serving as part of a farmer response unit to a fire raging in Mindarabin and Jackitup when he was killed when a tree fell on to the cab of his vehicle in a freak accident. He was a long-serving member of the Borden Volunteer Bushfire Brigade. Department of Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm said the entire DFES community was in mourning for one of their own. “The entire WA fire and emergency services family has been deeply saddened by the loss of Jaxon, who was helping his neighbours battle a large bushfire threatening the district,” Mr Klemm said. “It is a tragic reminder of the dangers our brave firefighters face, putting their lives on the line to help protect the communities they live in. “Our thoughts are with Jaxon’s family, friends, volunteer colleagues and the wider Borden community.” The North Albany Football and Sporting Club, where Mr Peakall played as a teenager, posted a tribute to their former club member on Facebook. “Jaxon was a loved teammate in a star-studded 2008 colts premiership side,” the post read. “Rest in peace Jacko, a true champion.” In a statement, Shire of Gnowangerup chief executive David Nicholson said the loss of the young Amelup farmer was felt with a “deep sadness”. “This tragic loss has profoundly affected our community, our volunteer brigades, and the broader emergency services family,” he wrote. “We honour their service, dedication and selflessness and extend our deepest sympathies to their family friends and colleagues.”