June 10, 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 tragic crash involving an overloaded 4WD occurred on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at approximately 8:00 pm near Brockman Lake on Scarp Road in Hoffman, about 1 hour and 40 minutes south of Perth, Western Australia.

The incident involved a white Toyota LandCruiser carrying six teenagers, with Caitlyn Bragger, 15, tragically losing her life after the vehicle rolled multiple times. The driver, a 16-year-old boy, was also seriously injured and taken to Bunbury Regional Hospital.

Other passengers — including a 17-year-old boy and two 16-year-old girls — sustained minor injuries.

Local campers described hearing the crash and screams, and one rushed to help after witnessing the accident.

“She was a daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, aunty and friend… she brought a ray of sunshine everywhere she went.”
— Mekayla Cowcher, GoFundMe fundraiser organiser

Location and Time

  • Crash Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025 (approximately 8:00 pm).
  • Location: Scarp Road, Hoffman, Western Australia — near Brockman Lake, about 1 hour and 40 minutes south of Perth.

Vehicles Involved

  • A white Toyota LandCruiser, driven by a 16-year-old boy, which crashed and rolled over on Scarp Road.
  • Caitlyn Bragger, 15, was a passenger who died at the scene.

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Fatality:
    • Caitlyn Bragger, 15, died at the scene after the overloaded 4WD rolled several times.
  • Serious Injuries:
    • The 16-year-old driver and a 17-year-old passenger were seriously injured and taken to Bunbury Regional Hospital.
  • Minor Injuries:
    • Two 16-year-old girls suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Emergency Response

  • Paramedics and police responded quickly to reports of a serious crash on Scarp Road.
  • Campers nearby heard the impact and rushed to assist.

“The car rolled several times in the crash.”
— WA Police statement

Community Impact

This tragic event has deeply affected the local community in Hoffman, highlighting the risks of overloading vehicles and the importance of road safety for young drivers.

Caitlyn’s family is described as “broken and in pieces” following the loss of their “precious” daughter. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help with funeral costs and support the grieving family.

“No one ever expects something like this to happen… you can’t prepare yourself.”
— Mekayla Cowcher, fundraiser organiser

Police Investigation

WA Police are investigating:

  • The cause of the rollover crash on Scarp Road.
  • Road conditions, visibility, and potential contributing factors such as speed, overloading, or driver inexperience.
  • Dashcam or CCTV footage from the Scarp Road area around 8:00 pm on June 7, 2025.

Authorities are urging anyone with information or video evidence to contact Crime Stoppers or submit details via Policelink.

Tributes and Community Reaction

  • Caitlyn was remembered as a kind, outgoing, and loving young woman who left a lasting impression on everyone she met.
  • Her aunt, Danica Pierce, said: “You are going to be so missed… way too young, my heart breaks.”
  • Friends and locals have expressed their grief and shared memories of her positive energy and unique sense of humour.

Appeal for Information

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam/CCTV footage of the Scarp Road area in Hoffman around 8:00 pm on June 7, 2025, is urged to contact authorities:

  • Crime Stoppers WA: Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au.
  • Witness Reporting: Contact WA Police directly via a local station or through the official website.