WA Police are steadfastly refusing to disclose whether a driver, accused of killing a grandmother when his vehicle ploughed into a Perth home, was subjected to mandatory drug or alcohol testing following the fatal incident.
Details of the tragic Rivervale collision
The alleged driver, Rhys Robert Hawkins, 36, has been charged with unlawful killing and destruction of property. The charges stem from an incident that occurred on Alexander Road in Rivervale last Friday, around 11.40pm.
It is alleged that Hawkins was behind the wheel of a yellow Ford Falcon when it veered off the road and crashed into a rental property. The impact killed 53-year-old Bishnu Kumari Gurung, who was asleep in her bedroom at the time. The vehicle reportedly smashed through the bedroom wall, resulting in her immediate death.
Police remain tight-lipped on testing procedures
Despite multiple inquiries, WA Police have declined to confirm whether Hawkins underwent roadside drug or alcohol testing at the scene, or if he was required to provide a blood sample. A police spokesperson stated, “As this matter is currently before the courts, we are unable to provide any further details.”
Notably, there are currently no charges related to drink or drug driving laid against Hawkins that are before the court. However, police have previously disclosed such offending in unrelated cases, highlighting the sensitivity of this particular investigation.
Legal proceedings and community response
Hawkins was arrested at the scene and appeared at Northbridge Magistrates Court on Sunday. He did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody. His 43-year-old male passenger was uninjured in the crash.
In the wake of the tragedy, an online fundraiser established to support Mrs. Gurung’s family has raised more than $24,000 in just one week, demonstrating significant community solidarity.
A family’s profound loss
Bishnu Kumari Gurung was visiting from Nepal with her husband and staying with her daughter, Srijana Gurung, and son-in-law when the fatal crash occurred. Her daughter described her as a “truly remarkable woman who was full of life, kindness, warmth, and unconditional love.”
She added, “She always put others before herself and lived her life with compassion and generosity. She was the heart and soul of our family, our greatest source of strength, comfort, and laughter. Her sudden passing has left an unimaginable void in our lives that words can hardly express.”
The case continues to unfold as legal processes advance, with police maintaining their position of non-disclosure due to the ongoing court proceedings.
