‘Needs to be caught’: Marshall hit-run victim identified as Geelong schoolteacher, mother-of-two

The victim of a hit-run in Geelong has been identified as a loving schoolteacher and mother-of-two, with comparisons being made to a deadly smash that killed an aspiring Melbourne doctor.

The victim of a cruel hit-run in Geelong has been identified as a loving schoolteacher and mother-of-two, with the incident compared to a deadly smash earlier this month that killed an aspiring Melbourne doctor.

Armstrong Creek woman, Krissy, 43, who did not want her surname published, said she is lucky to be alive following the disturbing head-on collision in Marshall that saw her flown to Royal Melbourne Hospital in a critical condition.

A manhunt is ongoing for the driver of a Holden Commodore who left her for dead on July 17 and abandoned two other injured passengers, believed to be associates of his.

Two car collision on Barwarre Rd Marshall on July 17, 2024. Picture: Brad Fleet

Chilling CCTV footage shows the man casually walking away from the scene on Barwarre Rd, with detectives still unable to track his whereabouts.

“The system is flawed and another innocent person was almost killed, just like in Melbourne,” her friend, Laura, told this masthead.

“It’s not right.

“He needs to be caught.”

She was referring to a fatal smash in Burwood on July 4, when an unlicensed teen driver at the wheel of a stolen Jeep is alleged to have killed 28-year-old trainee doctor William Taylor.

The accused had previously been on bail prior to the fatal smash.

He then went on the run for two days after being charged over the crash.

All six occupants of the stolen car allegedly fled on foot at about 7pm, leaving Mr Taylor to die on the street.

Tributes are left at the Burwood intersection near Highbury Rd where 28-year-old Ashburton man William Taylor was killed in a horror crash. Picture: Mark Stewart

It’s still unclear who owns the Commodore at the centre of the Geelong investigation, or if the passengers of the alleged fugitive have co-operated with police.

Investigators confirmed they are a 34-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman, both from Grovedale.

Laura, who did not want her surname published, said the time of both incidents were similar.

Her friend was slammed into at high speed at about 6pm.

Neighbours described the accused driver’s actions as “inhumane” as the search to unmask him enters a seventh day.

“It could be anyone driving down to the supermarket or to get some milk at that time of the night,” she said.

Burwood fatal hit-run victim William Taylor. Picture: Victoria Police

“I think that is what has shocked everyone in Geelong, this could have happened to anyone.

“Wrong place, wrong time.”

It comes as the “kind and loving” Geelong mum of two teenagers is expected to remain in Royal Melbourne indefinitely as she recovers from serious head, facial and lower body injuries.

In a statement from her hospital bed, she said “I would like to thank everyone for their love and support during this time.”

Footage shows a man, alleged to be the driver of a vehicle involved in a brazen hit-run collision in Geelong, walking away from the scene on July 17. Photo: Facebook/Channel 7

Laura, who is helping with fundraising efforts to pay for medical expenses, said her friend was lucky to be alive.

“She definitely had someone looking out for her that night,” she said.

“She is exhausted and is making some small gains, but has a really long road ahead.

Donations to assist with her recovery can be made via Go Fund Me.

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Originally published as ‘Needs to be caught’: Marshall hit-run victim identified as Geelong schoolteacher, mother-of-two