October 2, 2025

Carter Capner Law monitors accidents involving cars, motorcycles, trucks, busses, cyclists and trams throughout Australia to spotlight safety issues of concern to our clients and to demonstrate those situations in which they may have a right to an insurance or compensation recovery. We act for drivers, riders, passengers, pedestrians. Call today on 1300 529 529 or click here to reach Carter Capner Law. Click on Client Showcase to view our history of road accident compensation claims.

Incident Overview
A fatal collision occurred on the Mitchell Freeway in Nowergup, north of Perth, on Wednesday night, October 1, 2025. Around 8:00 pm, a pink 1956 Chevrolet driven by 60-year-old car enthusiast Johnny Gray collided with a Ford Ranger. Mr Gray died at the scene. The 35-year-old driver of the Ranger was transported to Royal Perth Hospital and is recovering.

Major Crash detectives are investigating whether Mr Gray’s Chevrolet was travelling the wrong way on the freeway before the crash. The freeway was closed for several hours while emergency services attended the scene.

“Johnny was a devoted husband who always put others before himself… always ready with his signature bear hug or a phone call if you needed him.” — Tribute from his wife

Location and Time

  • Crash Date: Wednesday, October 1, 2025 (just after 8:00 pm)
  • Location: Mitchell Freeway, near Nowergup, north of Perth, Western Australia

Vehicles Involved

  • 1956 Chevrolet (pink), driven by Johnny Gray, 60, deceased
  • Ford Ranger, driven by a 35-year-old man (injured, hospitalised)

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Fatality:
    • Johnny Gray, 60, Chevrolet driver, died at the scene.
  • Serious Injuries:
    • 35-year-old male Ford Ranger driver, hospitalised at Royal Perth Hospital.

Emergency Response

  • Emergency services responded after reports of a high-impact collision on the Mitchell Freeway.
  • Mr Gray was declared deceased at the scene.
  • The Ford Ranger driver was transported to hospital with injuries.
  • The freeway was closed for several hours as Major Crash detectives investigated.

“His presence lit up every room, and life will never be the same without him.” — Johnny Gray’s wife

Police Investigation
WA Police Major Crash detectives are examining:

  • Whether the Chevrolet was travelling the wrong way on the Mitchell Freeway at the time of the collision.
  • Traffic and road conditions in Nowergup before the crash.
  • Eyewitness accounts and dashcam footage from other motorists on the freeway.

Community Impact
The death of Johnny Gray has devastated Perth’s classic car and local communities. Remembered as a “devoted husband, dad, stepdad, and granddad,” he was well known for his kindness, charity support, and love of vintage cars. Tributes from family and friends described him as a “cuddly teddy bear” with a generous heart. A GoFundMe has been launched to support his grieving family.

Appeal for Information
Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage from the Mitchell Freeway near Nowergup at the time to contact:

  • Crime Stoppers WA: Call 1800 333 000 or report online at [www.crimestopperswa.com.au](https://www.crimestopperswa.com.au)
  • Witness Reporting: Contact WA Police Major Crash directly or at the nearest police station.