‘HE WAS GROWING INTO SOMEONE GREAT’: A MOTHER REMEMBERS ELI RASMUSSEN

WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that the following story contains images of a deceased person.

BY TANGIORA HINAKI

The Karratha community is mourning the loss of 18-year-old Eli Rasmussen, remembered by family as a cheeky, caring young man who was finding his feet and planning his future.

Eli died following a motorbike crash earlier this week. His death has prompted an outpouring of grief and support from across the Pilbara, with friends, family and community members gathering to support his mother, family and siblings.

Community members gathered at Searipple Road, where the accident took place, to bless the site.

Speaking through tears, Eli’s mother described him as adventurous from a young age.

“He was cheeky right from the start,” she said. “He was always climbing trees, getting into mischief, but he had the biggest heart, especially for animals.”

She recalled Eli making the local newspaper as a toddler after falling into a roadside drain outside their home in New Zealand, and regularly wandering off to the local dairy on his own, entering through the staff door rather than the front.

“That was just him,” she said. “Fearless.”

The Rasmussen-Mananui family moved from Timaru, New Zealand, to Karratha in 2016, arriving with little more than suitcases and no clear idea of what awaited them.

“We landed in red dirt, in the heat, not knowing anyone,” his mother said. “Nearly ten years later, we’re still here. This place became home.”

While Eli could appear tough and reserved at home, his mother said she had only recently realised how deeply loved he was beyond their front door.

“The photos, the stories, the people coming forward, I didn’t know how many people had his back,” she said. “He was so loved in this community.”

Eli had recently begun focusing on his health and routine. He loved going to the gym, encouraged friends to eat better, and was known for his attention to grooming and appearance.

“Skincare and haircuts were his thing,” his mother said. “He wanted to look sharp.”

Just days before his death, Eli had started a new job as a yard hand at the Tambrey Tavern. His mother said he was proud of the role and took it seriously, waking early each morning to be on time.

“He’d only been there three days,” she said. “But he was committed. I knew he would never just not show up.”

The morning after Eli died, she went to the workplace herself to explain his absence.

“He’d already left an impression,” she said. “Even in three days.”

Eli had also spoken openly with his family about wanting to join the Australian Army, believing it would help him develop discipline and structure.

“He knew himself,” his mother said. “He wanted to be better, to grow.”

The motorbike Eli had recently purchased had been in his possession for just one night.

“He was so proud of it,” she said. “He cleaned it, showed photos to everyone. He was excited.”

Police notified the family later that evening. His mother described the hospital identification process as deeply distressing.

“No parent should ever have to do that,” she said.

Plans are now underway to bring Eli home for several days, allowing family and community members time to gather, grieve and farewell him.

“I want these days to be his 18th,” his mother said. “A celebration of his life.”

She said Eli loved fishing, diving and learning, often reading about science, history and the stars.

“He wasn’t wasting time,” she said. “He was growing into someone great.”

That care was felt strongly by his younger brother, Haimona Manunui, who said Eli was always watching out for him.

“That was my big brother,” Haimona said.
“I really loved him.”

One of Haimona’s favourite memories was a fishing trip near Maitland River.

“I fell in the water,” he said.
“He swam out and got me.”

Haimona said Eli was always offering advice, especially about staying safe.

“He told me, ‘Never be like me,’ and ‘Don’t smoke,’” he said.

Eli’s friends from school have also been sharing memories, describing a young man who was quick-tempered at times, but fiercely loyal.

Ngatai Hinaki, who became close to Eli after moving from New Zealand, said their friendship began when Eli stood up for others.

“I was getting bullied at school,” Ngatai said.
“Eli and his boys went over there and stopped it. That’s how we started talking.”

Ngatai said Eli was known for his humour and confidence, often joking around with friends and striking poses for the camera.

“He was always funny,” he said.
“Always posing in the mirror, always confident.”

He said Eli didn’t spend much time gaming, preferring to be outside with friends, sometimes play-fighting and “practising” moves together.

“We’d just be outside, mucking around,” he said.
“It was funny.”

Ngatai also spoke about the impact of online comments following Eli’s death, urging people to show care and respect while the family grieves.

“People need to show love,” he said.
“When a family’s hurting, that’s not the time to be saying things you wouldn’t say to their face.”

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the crash, or who has relevant footage, to contact Crime Stoppers WA on 1800 333 000 or submit information online. Vision can also be uploaded directly to investigators via the WA Police evidence portal.

Support is available for anyone affected by road trauma through Road Trauma Support WA on 1300 004 814.

Ngaarda Media is aware that there is a Go Fund Me Page. You can also give a love offering directly to Soani.

KOHA: Name: Soani Rasmussen BSB: 016 725 Account: 405 985 557 Arohanui