Community rallies around family of young father-of-two killed in Capel crash

Tributes continue to flow for the young South West father who died in a horror crash on one of the State’s worst roads, just weeks after his second child was born. The father of two, 29-year-old Aaron Simpson, died at the scene of the tragic crash at the intersection of Spurr Street and Bussell Highway about 9am on May 31. Mr Simpson leaves behind his partner, their two-year-old daughter and their six-week-old baby boy. “We’re so overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support we’ve received this week. Grateful for our community as I know Aaron would be too,” Mr Simpson’s partner Sophie Goor said in a message on his Facebook page. Tens of thousands of dollars have already been raised in a Gofundme campaign to help the financial burden on the young family. On the donations site, close friend Kacey Taylor said Mr Simpson was the “kindest, most gentle soul”. “Aaron was the kindest, most gentle soul and nothing was more important to him than taking care of his beautiful family,” Ms Taylor said. “I can’t possibly imagine going through such horrific grief whilst also looking after two young children — the youngest being only five weeks old.” The initial target of $10,000 had been surpassed within days of the fundraiser being set up, hundreds of friends, family and community members rallying around the young family. At the time of going to print, $21,140 had been raised to help support Mr Simpson’s family, with many leaving outpourings of grief and messages of love and support to the family. “I love you mate, the most gentlest soul I have met. Our love goes out to Sophie and the kids,” friend Corey Hunter wrote with his donation. “As a mumma of two myself, I can’t imagine what you are going through. But I hope every donation big or small helps give a little peace,” Jordana Blenkinsop wrote. Tributes continued to flow on Mr Simpson’s facebook page, some sharing memories of childhood antics and examples of the young man’s caring and compassionate personality. “You have always been the most gentle and caring person, my heart absolutely shattered hearing the news. Sending all my love and support to your beautiful family at this awful time. Fly high up there my friend,” Crystal Draper said in a tribute on Facebook. It is understood the ute Mr Simpson was driving was travelling south on Bussell Highway when it collided with the rear of an oversized truck which was turning from Spurr Street on to Bussell Highway northbound. The incident occurred at a notorious stretch of road, where Capel residents and road-safety authorities have campaigned for years for changes to the speed limit and road conditions.