Rochelle Eyles: The Goomalling Tavern apprentice chef killed in Old Plains crash remembered as ‘bright light’

A young woman who died in a devastating rollover in the Wheatbelt on Sunday is being remembered as “one in a million”.

Rochelle Eyles, 22, was killed when the orange Volvo hatchback she was driving eastbound along Yenart Road in Old Plains left the road and crashed into a tree about 10.50pm.

Despite the efforts of emergency services, including police, DFES, and St John WA, she died at the scene. She was the sole occupant of the vehicle.

Her beloved three-and-a-half-year-old dog, Snoopy, was also in the car at the time.

Due to severe injuries the animal sustained in the crash, Ms Eyles’ family made the heartbreaking decision to have him put down the next day.

Speaking to The West Australian, Ms Eyles’ sister, Cassie Eyles, revealed the young country woman had spent her final hours visiting family.

“She grew up in foster care and she had been down to visit her foster nana. She was driving to her home in Calingiri when she crashed.

“She had just started a new job as an apprentice chef at The Goomalling Tavern.”

Cassie remembered her younger sister as a bright light who touched everyone she met.

“It doesn’t matter where she went or who she met everyone fell in love with her. She had the biggest personality and lit up every room she went into.”

Ms Eyles’ foster sister, Jessie Werpachowski, set up a GoFundMe page to support the family with funeral and unexpected expenses.

“Our beautiful baby sister was taken from us far too soon, and we are still struggling to come to terms with the heartbreaking reality that she is no longer here,” Ms Werpachowski wrote.

“She was so deeply loved by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

“She had the most amazing spirit and was truly a little pocket rocket. She had so much personality, so much energy, and a way of lighting up every room she walked into.