Joe D’Amato: Family’s plea for witnesses after elderly cyclist seriously injured

The family of an elderly cyclist who was left lying unconscious on the road with devastating injuries say they believe something, or someone, has hurt him.

The family of an elderly cyclist who was found with “devastating” injuries in Melbourne’s north west have pleaded with witnesses to come forward.

Joe D’Amato, 75, remains in hospital two weeks after he was found lying unconscious on a busy road in Taylors Lakes on July 6.

Police say the circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, but they believe he “came off the bike” on King St about 11am near the intersection with Bond Dr.

Joe was rushed to hospital with a broken neck, fractured skull, broken ribs and lacerations to his face and body among other injuries.

Delahey man Joe D'Amato was seriously injured on Kings Rd in Taylors Lakes on July 6. Picture: Cheryl D'Amato

While in hospital the “happy-go-lucky” family man suffered several strokes due to his injuries.

His wife, Cheryl D’Amato, says his condition has begun to improve but he has no memory of what happened.

“He’s nowhere near out of the woods yet, it’s just devastating for the family,” she said.

“What he had gone through, it’s only possible because he’s such a strong man. We’re taking it a day at a time.”

He had been riding to the TAB at the Watergardens Hotel in Taylors Lakes and was known for always demounting his bike to walk across King Street, according to his daughter Lisa Dodemaide.

“It’s such a busy road, he’d always push his bike across it,” she said.

Ms Dodemaide said police had told them the investigation was “pointing towards” an assumption he had fallen while crossing King St.

But she said her family believed his injuries were so severe “it doesn’t make sense”.

“I’m not so sure,” she said. “We don’t believe he’s fallen, we believe he’s been struck by something.”

Kings St in Taylors Lakes where Joe D'Amato was injured on July 6. Picture: Google Maps.

Despite the injuries occurring on a busy road in the middle of the day, Ms Dodemaide said no witnesses have come forward who saw what occurred.

“How can no one have seen it, people have said they saw him on the road but no one saw what happened,” she said.

“Even the slightest bit of information would be appreciated. It’s a busy road, surely someone saw something.”

She called on anyone who was in the area at the time to check their dashcam or CCTV footage and contact police so Mr D’Amato’s family can have some closure.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr D’Amato’s injuries remained ongoing.

Crime Stoppers can be reached on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.