The St John WA paramedic killed in an early morning crash is being remembered as a “beloved family member” and “dedicated servant who saved lives every day he went to work”.
Tinesh Tamilkodi was behind the wheel of a St John support vehicle that crashed at the Armadale and Anstey Rds roundabout in Forrestdale just after 1.30am on Tuesday.
The 38-year-old suffered critical injuries and died at the scene in Perth’s southern suburbs.
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Tamilkodi is the first St John WA paramedic to die while on duty.
His devastated family says “there are no words to express our sadness”.
“Our son and brother Tinesh always dreamed of being a paramedic and helping those who needed it most. He reached 10 years in his dream job earlier this year,” the statement said.
“We are distraught.
St John WA paramedic Tinesh Tamilkodi was killed in a Perth crash. Credit: St John WA
“We have lost a beloved family member and Western Australia has lost a dedicated servant who saved lives every day he went to work.
“There are no words to express our sadness.
“Please hold your loved ones close in his memory today.”
Tamilkodi was a clinical support paramedic, providing backup to emergency crews in critical situations.
St John WA group chief executive Kevin Brown said Tamilkodi was responding to a “priority” situation when the accident that claimed his life unfolded.
His colleagues did everything they could to save him.
“You can only imagine how harrowing that must be for them. We’re providing the team every support at the moment that we can,” Brown said.
“At this time, the most difficult time in anybody’s family, our focus is very much on Tinesh and supporting his family, but also looking after our broader team who are heartbroken.
“(He was) a much loved and valued colleague whose legacy will live on for a long time to come.”
Police are investigating what sparked the devastating crash in Perth’s southern suburbs. Credit: 7NEWS
As the first St John WA paramedic to die on the job, Brown said Tamilkodi’s death was “unprecedented”.
“Tinesh, it’s fair to say, embodied all that is good about St John WA,” Brown said.
“He has been a loyal server to the community and the service of humanity for over 10 years.”
Major Crash investigators have called for any witnesses to come forward.
‘Terribly horrible circumstances’
7NEWS reports it has taken some time to notify the victim’s next of kin because his family is overseas.
WA Premier Roger Cook and Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson offered their condolences on Tuesday morning.
“Can I just begin by extending our thoughts and condolences to the work colleagues, the family, (and) the friends of a paramedic who we lost from the service last night. Terribly horrible circumstances,” Cook said.
“Our paramedic community will be hurting today.”
The intersection was reopened to morning commuters about 7.30am on Tuesday.
WA has recorded 137 fatalities on state roads so far in 2023.
