Man charged over alleged hit-and-run that killed Sydney lawyer

Less than one week after a Sydney lawyer was killed in an alleged hit-and-run, police have charged a real estate agent.

A real estate agent has been charged over an alleged hit-and-run crash that killed a lawyer in Sydney.

Mitch East, 28, was found critically injured on Fletcher St in Tamarama, near Bondi, just metres from his home that he shared with his partner about 4am on March 17.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated Mr East, who was originally from New Zealand and studied at Harvard University, but he could not be saved.

Police established Strike Force Dunguid to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Zisi Kokotatsios, 63, was arrested after attending Granville Police Station just after 11am on Friday.

Zisi Kokotatsios turned himself in to police. Picture: Facebook

He was charged with failing to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing death, dangerous driving occasioning death — driving in a manner dangerous, negligent driving occasioning death, and driver using a mobile phone when not permitted.

The Bexley man was refused bail and will face Parramatta Bail Court on Saturday.

According to his LinkedIn page, Mr Kokotatsios is a real estate agent and was previously a longtime Qantas engineer.

He is currently the senior director at First Impression Property Group.

Mitch East, 28, was found critically injured on Fletcher St in Tamarama, near Bondi, just metres from his home. Picture: GoFundMe

Mr East’s mother told Stuff her son was “a good person with a good heart”.

“He was my only child, my reason for living,” she said.

“I died when he did. The pain is unbearable.”

More than $105,000 has been raised for Mr East’s family via GoFundMe.

“He was known and will always be remembered for his hilarious yet kind nature and his incredible ability to befriend everyone he met,” organiser Kane Dunkley wrote.

“At 28 years of age, Mitch’s time was far from up and he had so much life left and love to give.

“While his family, friends and partner attempt to come to terms with the grief of losing someone so loved, we are trying to relieve some of the financial pressure and stress that comes with such a loss.

“We understand entirely that right now, people are doing it tough themselves so appreciate any donation, albeit big or small.”

Mitch East was described by his mother as a good person with a good heart.

Tributes have also been pouring in for Mr East, with one person saying he was “always bouncy with so much sparkle”.

“Mitchell was a childhood friend of my brother’s and I have fond memories of him always enjoying swimming in our pool. Rest easy Mitch,” one person commented alongside their donation.

Another person wrote: “Only met you a few times for Saturday swims but you seemed like a top bloke and you were part of our rich Bondi community and you will be missed.”

Another tribute read: “Mitch was always a fun, cheeky and kind guy.”

Zisi Kokotatsios will face court on Saturday. Picture: Facebook

Someone else commented: “Mitch was one in a million — brilliant, outrageously fun (and funny) and so kind.”

Whiritoa Lifeguard Service in New Zealand said Mr East was a valued member of the surf club as both a lifeguard, qualifying in 2010, and as their first ever club surf sports coach.

“He was an inspiration to so many young people and will be sorely missed by all who knew him,” the post read.

“The club is considering how we can honour his memory but at this time, we extend our condolences from all the Whiritoa Lifeguard Service ‘Team Toa’ family.”

Originally published as Man charged over alleged hit-and-run that killed Sydney lawyer