Johnny Gray was remembered as “a devoted husband who always put others before himself” in a fundraiser launched on Thursday.
Johnny Gray was remembered as “a devoted husband who always put others before himself” in a fundraiser launched on Thursday.
By Holly Thompson and Rebecca Peppiatt
Updated October 2, 2025 — 1.58pmfirst published at 12.27pm
A 60-year-old man who was killed in a collision on the Mitchell Freeway near Nowergup on Wednesday night has been remembered as someone who had “the biggest heart and touched everyone he met”.
Johnny Gray was driving his pink 1956 Chevrolet when it and a Ford Ranger collided near Butler Boulevard about 8.10pm.
Police, paramedics and firefighters were called, but Gray died at the scene. The 35-year-old man driving the Ford Ranger was taken to Royal Perth Hospital to be treated for minor injuries.
A fundraiser launched on Thursday contained a statement from his wife Moana, who described him as “a devoted husband who always put others before himself”.
“He had the biggest heart and touched everyone he met – always ready with his signature bear hug or a phone call if you needed him,” she said.
“He loved old school cars, shopping online, telling inspiring stories, and spending time with his true best friends—his dogs and cats, often with a beer in hand in the backyard.
“Johnny wasn’t just a loving husband, but also a proud dad, stepdad, and granddad. He gave back to his community, supporting charities and small businesses like Hey Perth and Simon Says. His presence lit up every room, and life will never be the same without him.”
The GoFundMe fundraiser hopes to raise $20,000 to help Johnny’s family with funeral and memorial expenses.
“Johnny was a truly great human being,” the fundraiser’s organiser said.
“From the time we knew him, he quietly supported so many people, charities, small businesses, and families across the Perth community. He never wanted recognition – whenever we tried to thank him, he would simply smile and say, ‘Nope’.”
Posts on social media fondly recalled seeing Gray’s brightly coloured classic car at recent car meets and around the city.
The crash closed the Mitchell Freeway between Romeo Road and Butler Boulevard for several hours overnight as emergency services worked to clear the area.
Major crash investigators are examining the scene and are appealing for anyone with information or footage in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers.
Meanwhile, WA Police have urged motorists to take care on the road, drive safely and keep in mind the wellbeing of themselves and others as the school holiday period begins.
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Holly Thompson is a journalist with WAtoday, specialising in education and the environment.Connect via Twitter or email.
Rebecca Peppiatt – is a journalist with WAtoday, specialising in crime and courts.Connect via email.
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