Tributes have poured in for a 22-year-old Mandurah tradie who was tragically killed by police in Wannanup in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The news that Hayden Paul Stacey had been tasered and shot, after allegedly advancing towards officers with a knife in a car park along Rod Court about 12.20am, shocked Mandurah and the surrounding area.
Officers tried to revive Hayden at the scene before St John Ambulance conveyed the man to Peel Health Campus, where he died a short time later from his injuries.
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Hayden’s friends took to social media to express their grief and to remember him.
Among the hundreds of messages of love and support was Hayden’s primary school friend Joel Taylor.
In a touching tribute, Joel remembered the moments the duo shared over the last decade and said he enjoyed growing up with Hayden by his side.
“I won’t forget the awesome times we shared over the journey from the big nights out after a footy win to you yelling at the TV when the Crows wouldn’t play how you wanted them to,” he wrote on Hayden’s Facebook page.
“I’m sure I’ll head to the local oval and have a kick over the next couple of week and bring up those old memories that I’ll cherish forever.
“You were always family, mate. I’ll miss you, my brother. Rest easy.”
Another friend, Sammi Rose, said she was “absolutely heartbroken” by the tragic death.
“I can't even believe this,” she wrote.
“Hayden Paul Stacey you had a beautiful heart, may you now rest in paradise.
“I'm so happy that I knew you and I could call you a good friend. You won't be forgotten.
“All my love to your family and prayers are with them.”
Others described Hayden as a “lovely boy” and a “true mate”, with many thanking him for the memories they shared.
Hayden was also remembered fondly by his Baldivis Football Club teammates.
“There was nothing better then running out onto the park knowing Haydzz had your half back flank covered,” friend Daniel Paul Ialacci wrote.
