Family of Matthew Farr, one of two men killed in cliff car crash near Horrocks Beach, releases statement

The family of one of two young men killed in a horror cliff car crash north of Geraldton earlier this month has broken their silence, saying there is “no rule book” for coping with a pain they will likely never recover from. Close mates Matthew Farr and Louis Eeles, both 22, were in a Nissan Patrol when it careered off a cliff 10km north of Horrocks Beach in the early hours of the morning on Sunday, February 4. Plunging up to 30m, their back seat passenger, a 21-year-old man, miraculously survived and managed to scale up the cliff face to raise the alarm with other friends the boys were camping with, who were already out searching for the trio when they didn’t return. The Farr family released a statement on Tuesday afternoon, saying the “tragic accident which resulted in the loss of our gorgeous son and one of his best friends, and the injury of another friend, has been the most difficult times of our lives.” “There is no rule book in which can prepare you for such news and how to cope. “Our loss is profound and one in which we doubt we will ever recover from.” The Farr family praised the “heroism” of the survivor. He was flown to Royal Perth Hospital with neck and spinal injuries but it’s understood he has since been discharged. “We are eternally grateful that someone did survive and we hope this young man recovers. His heroism in trying to raise the alarm given his own injuries is inspirational and we will be forever in his debt. Our thoughts are with him and his family,” the Farr family statement reads. The Farr family described Mr Farr and Mr Eeles as two adventurous mates. “Together, Matthew and Louis shared a passion for outdoor adventures, specifically fishing, diving, camping and exploring. Both with similar depositions, kind, friendly, motivated, empathetic and just generally great young men,” they said. “Our families will be forever entwined. We remember them both for how genuinely fantastic they were. Our love, support and thoughts are extended to his family. We thank them for their continued support.” The loss has struck a chord with the Geraldton community, sending shock waves through their families and wide circle of friends. “We recognise this accident has impacted the wider community. We have lost two beautiful young men with one other seriously injured. In a small community everyone knows everyone. It’s at times like these you become aware of just how great it is to live in the community that we do,” the Farr family stated. “We have been overwhelmed with messages of support, which has brought us comfort.” The family also thanked all the first responders involved, including, but not limited to, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, volunteers, WA Police, St John WA. The Farrs have now requested privacy as they continue to grieve and support each other. They ended the statement with the words” Forever Ours, Forever Yours, Forever Young.” In a death notice, Mr Eeles’ parents Adrian and Annette wrote their “darling son” was “taken too soon”. “You lived your life to its full, on your terms, and passed away doing what you loved. Outdoor adventurer, world traveller. A kind and generous soul who made everyone laugh. The most loving son, we were so proud of you. Our hearts are broken.” Mr Eeles’ girlfriend of four years Kayla Stubbs told the Geraldton Guardian that it was “impossible to put into words how amazing he was”. “He was so loved by everyone. He’d do anything for anyone. And his sense of humour — it was contagious, his personality and love for life, it made everyone so happy. He was never the type to be sad,” she said.