Family pays tribute to ‘devoted dad’ killed by out-of-control car at Kingston Central Plaza
Tributes are flowing for a father mown down by a car at a Moorabbin shopping centre, with more than $30,000 raised for his partner and young children.
Inner South
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A father hit and killed by an out-of-control car at a Moorabbin mall has been remembered as “loving, genuine, smart” as more than $35,000 has been raised for his wife and young children.
Cheltenham father of two Scott Brownridge, 51, was believed to be helping an elderly woman load groceries into her car when he was struck by an out-of-control Toyota Corolla believed to have been driven by an elderly man.
Workers and pedestrians at the busy Kingston Central Plaza said Mr Brownridge was helping the woman with her shopping when he was hit about 1pm on Wednesday.
A fundraiser, ‘Help Scott Brownridge Family’ had raised close to $40,000 as of 9am on Friday.
The page says Mr Brownridge “was a loving, genuine, smart, and always bring a smile onto people’s face”.
“We are here to show our love and support to his wife Tammy, 9-year-old daughter, Shakima and 4-year-old son, Zane during a tough time like this,” the page reads.
Hangar 4 cafe barista Alma, who did not want her surname published, told the Leader Mr Brownridge was helping the woman when he was struck.
“It’s terrible,” she said.
A number of staff from Kingston Food Hangar and Hangar 4 Cafe were not at work this morning after witnessing the tragedy, which occurred near disabled parking spots.
The parents of a close friend of Mr Brownridge, who stopped to pay their respects at the car park on Thursday morning, said the father of two was a “family man” and frequently visited the Cheltenham Moorabbin RSL, located less than 200 metres from the accident site, with his loved ones.
“He was helping with the groceries … he was absolutely a lovely family man,” the couple said.
The busy car park remains open however the accident zone has been cordoned off.
‘COMPLETELY DEVOTED’ HUSBAND AND DAD REMEMBERED
Mr Brownridge’s brother-in-law, Ariel Bud, told the Leader the avid actor and event manager would be “desperately missed”.
He was known by the stage name ‘Bowie’ and performed in small screen productions, as well as an original Lion King stage show.
Mr Brownridge leaves behind partner Tammy and beloved children Shakima and Zane.
“Scott’s infectious sense of humour and sharp wit reflected his deep intelligence and thoughtfulness … always quick to help, he was completely devoted to his life partner Tammy and was a superhero to his two beautiful children Shakima and Zane,” Mr Bud said.
“Scott will be desperately missed by his family, friends, workmates and everyone who had the good fortune to have been a part of his life cut short so suddenly.”
A witness told the Leader that Mr Brownridge was hit after the driver, believed to be accompanied by his wife, accelerated on to the footpath.
It is believed he was struck as the driver turned to get back on to the road.
“It’s terrible … they sped up on to the path and hit him as they tried to come down,” a witness, who did not want to be named, said.
Another witness told the Leader that Mr Brownridge’s face was “blue” and that he was bleeding from the head.
“He had a big gash on his head … people were trying to lift him up, it was terrible,” she said.
A bystander was helping police translate Greek as the elderly shoppers, both wearing face masks, were being interviewed.
Two other cars were damaged in the incident.
A Victoria Police spokeswoman said an 83-year-old Cheltenham man was interviewed and released pending further inquiries.
“It is believed the man was standing near the rear of his car which was parked in a Grange Rd car park when he was struck by another car about 1pm … the victim’s vehicle then crashed into two other parked cars,” she said.
“The driver of the car, an 83-year-old Cheltenham man, is assisting police with inquiries (and) the 76-year-old female passenger was not injured.”
TRAGEDY SPARKS CALLS FOR STRONGER ENFORCEMENT
Shocking statistics released on Thursday reveal at least 7000 Victorian pedestrians were hit by drivers who were breaking road rules over the past decade.
And a staggering 2000 people were admitted to hospital or presented to emergency departments each year, according to Victoria Walks.
“With the higher levels of local walking during the COVID-19 pandemic likely to continue, we need to invest in pedestrian road safety now and into the recovery phase,” Victoria Walks executive officer Dr Ben Rossiter said.
“We need strong enforcement for those cases and things like distracted driving … we need better education on the need to give way to pedestrians when turning.”
The report — undertaken by the Monash University Accident Research Centre and funded by a Traffic Accident Commission community road safety grant — analysed Victoria Police, TAC and hospital data.
“Victoria Walks is calling for immediate action for drivers to be more vigilant around people walking, with drivers breaking road rules more often than not in pedestrian crashes, according to Victoria Police,” Dr Rossiter said.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au
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