Plea for witnesses to pedestrian death

Jose Garces (14) was walking with his girlfriend across the intersection of Stock Road and Beeliar Drive in Munster when a Ford Falcon hit him.

The talented footballer died and his 14-year-old girlfriend was seriously injured.

Police want to speak to the young boy who assisted by performing CPR at the scene. His mother was with him at the time. Police also want to speak to a middle-aged woman driving a small black sedan south along Stock Road at the time of the crash. It is understood the woman, named Fiona or Fay, stopped and spoke to a number of people.

Despite the incident occurring four months ago, a police spokeswoman said putting the call out for witnesses was standard practise and not a follow up to new information regarding the incident.

‘The Major Crash Investigation Unit will always appeal to anyone who may be able to help with an investigation into a serious crash,’ she said.

East Fremantle Football Club’s operations manager Darryn Fry said Jose, an academy player, would be sorely missed by teammates.

‘With the academy there’s 75 kids hoping to win one of 32 spots, so it can be a bit about looking after your own back yard. But he was a really popular kid who seemed to get on with everybody,’ he said.

Fry said the development squad joined with the Melville Junior Football Club to form a guard of honour at his funeral.

‘He will be remembered fondly. I’m sure there will be players playing in his honour.’