Community shattered as young cowboy dies in horse truck crash
Tamworth teenager Jimmy Webster, 14, was a passenger in a horse truck when it collided with a semi-trailer and a tractor on the Kamilaroi Hwy at Wee Waa, in NSW's New England region, about 3pm on Sunday.
An unidentified member of the public provided first aid to Jimmy before paramedics arrived, but he could not be saved and died at the scene.
Jimmy turned 14 less than a month ago and was known as an enthusiastic campdrafter and much-loved rugby player.
Social media is filled with photos of him riding in campdrafting events, a pursuit that always made his father proud. Jimmy was a passionate young horseman. Credit: Facebook
News of his passing shattered the tight-knit community, prompting heartfelt online tributes.
'Jimmy was a passionate young horseman, a kind soul and would do anything to help a mate,' the Manilla Campdraft Club wrote.
Another community member shared the heartbreak.
'I have written this post four times over and cannot get it right. It is simply devastating and there are no words that seem fitting,' the tribute read.
'Our little community is heartbroken at the tragic loss of this great young man, and cannot fathom the pain his family are going through.'
'Jimmy was one of the most delightful kids. He was generous, kind, loved his horses and was a boy the universe needed to be in it for a very long time — not time cut short like it has been.'
The campdraft club has scheduled a weekend-long raffle, with all proceeds to go to Jimmy's family. Jimmy was described as a 'cheeky, funny, witty, and loyal' teammate. Credit: Facebook
His rugby union club has also set up a GoFundMe page after what they described as an 'unimaginable loss' to support the family, who are 'not the type to ask for help'.
'Jimmy's life was tragically lost in an accident that has left our community heartbroken. His passing has touched not only those of us locally, but also the wider rugby union family,' the Pirates Rugby Union U14s team wrote, alongside photos of Jimmy with the team.
The GoFundMe tribute described him as a long-term teammate who was 'cheeky, funny, witty, and loyal', bringing joy both on and off the field.
The Tamworth District Junior Rugby Union Club said their hearts were heavy following the news of Jimmy's passing.
'On Sunday the world became a little less bright with the passing of Jimmy Webster, a vibrant past member of our club,' the club wrote on social media.
Jimmy's family has been a 'major sponsor' of the local rugby union club and 'a huge part' of its community.
'His family has always been a pillar of support for grassroots rugby, playing a vital role in keeping the Tamworth Tri Colours alive during some of its toughest times, when the club was on the verge of folding,' the fundraiser reads.
'They were always the first to lend a hand, whether through time, effort, or financial support, never expecting anything in return.
'The Websters are not the type to ask for help, but in times of deep grief and heartbreak, it is our turn as a community to rally around them.
'Together, we can ease the burdens they now face and show them the same love and generosity they have always shown others.' News of Jimmy's passing has shattered the tight-knit community. Credit: Facebook
Funds raised will go toward funeral expenses, horse vet bills, and any other unexpected costs during this difficult time.
After the crash, the driver of the horse truck, a 38-year-old man, was taken to hospital in a stable condition for mandatory testing and treatment while the 66-year-old tractor driver and the 33-year-old semi-trailer driver, both male, were uninjured but also taken to hospital for mandatory testing.
One horse in the truck was euthanised due to injuries sustained in the crash with three others taken away for treatment.
Police are hoping to speak with the unidentified man who provided first aid at the scene to help with their investigation into the crash.
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