Zack Thomas Heylen Faces Manslaughter Charges After Fatal Rivervale Crash – October 20, 2024

What happened

Incident Overview

On Saturday, October 19, 2024, a fatal multi-vehicle collision occurred in Rivervale, Perth, Western Australia, resulting in the deaths of three passengers and serious injuries to two others. The driver, 22-year-old Zack Thomas Heylen, has been charged with three counts of manslaughter and two counts of dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm.

The incident occurred at approximately 5:00 AM when the white utility vehicle, carrying six occupants, veered off Orrong Road, struck a tree, and collided with the rear of a residential property. Emergency services attended the scene and transported the injured to hospital; three passengers were pronounced deceased at the scene.

Location and Time

The crash occurred on Orrong Road in Rivervale, Perth, at approximately 5:00 AM on Saturday, October 19, 2024.

Vehicles Involved

Vehicle 1

• Make/Model: White utility vehicle
• Occupants: six persons (driver and five passengers)
• Driver: 22-year-old Zack Thomas Heylen (charged with manslaughter)
• Alleged speed: 114 kilometres per hour in a 70 kph zone

Injuries / Fatalities

Fatalities

• 22-year-old male passenger (deceased at scene)
• 22-year-old male passenger (deceased at scene)
• 34-year-old male passenger (deceased at scene)

Injuries

• 19-year-old passenger (serious injuries, hospitalized)
• 23-year-old passenger (serious injuries, hospitalized)
• 22-year-old driver Zack Thomas Heylen (three spinal fractures, hospitalized)

Community Impact

The crash has deeply affected the Rivervale community, with friends and family mourning the loss of the three young men. The incident has prompted renewed calls for road safety awareness and responsible driving practices among young drivers.

Emergency Response

Emergency services attended the scene at approximately 5:00 AM. Ambulance personnel transported the injured passengers and driver to hospital for treatment of serious injuries. The scene was secured and the vehicle recovered following initial emergency response.

Investigation

Western Australia Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. Police are examining the possibility that speed and alcohol were contributing factors to the incident. A blood alcohol test was conducted on the driver, with results pending at the time of reporting.

Zack Thomas Heylen appeared in court on Sunday, October 20, 2024, via audio link from hospital. He was remanded in custody and is due to appear in court again on December 13, 2024, to face three charges of manslaughter and two counts of dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm.

Appeal for Information

Western Australia Police are appealing for any witnesses or persons with information about the crash on Orrong Road in Rivervale to contact them. Members of the public with relevant information are encouraged to contact Western Australia Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000.