‘Should be dead’: Alleged hit and run survivor Lochie Read, 21, speaks out after horror ordeal

The victim of a near fatal hit and run in North Geelong who “should be dead” has spoken out after a shocking alleged crime that has stunned his family.

Hit-and-run victim Lochie Read with his fiance, Ash Harris, following a disturbing hit-and-run in Geelong. Picture: Brad Fleet

The victim of a near fatal hit and run in North Geelong who “should be dead” has spoken out after a shocking alleged crime that has stunned his family.

Charlemont metal fabricater Lochie Read, 21, was riding his bike to work last week when he was allegedly run down by a driver in what police will allege was a hit and run.

The incident occurred on Pakington St, south of Church St, at about 6.40am on September 20.

It will be alleged the driver, inexplicably, drove off.

“He was left for dead,” Mr Read’s fiance, Ashleigh Harris, said.

An early morning walker noticed his body lying on the road and called triple-0.

“I was just riding my bush bike to work along the road and next thing I woke up in a hospital,” he told the Geelong Advertiser.

His injuries were horrific.

Mr Read was rushed to hospital where he spent the next week fighting for his life.

He was placed in a medically induced coma with a serious external brain bleed, brain swelling and blurred vision.

His two main bones on his left forearm – known as the radius and ulna – were basically snapped in half.

“He’s had to have from his elbow to wrist reconstructed with plates and screws that will stay in permanently,” Ms Harris said.

He also has a T-12 spinal fracture which will require a back brace to be worn for the next six weeks.

“We are just thankful he hasn’t ended up with permanent brain damage or paralysis,” Ms Harris said.

“He probably should be dead.

“We think he was run over and hit in the back.”

Mr Read described his ordeal as “complete bulls----”, but was pragmatic when asked if he was angry.

“It is what it is,” he said.

However, Ms Harris wants justice for her partner.

“We will let the courts deal with it,” she said.

Victoria Police has charged a 35-year-old man, Anthony Ramsey, with dangerous driving that resulted in serious injury.

It carries a maximum prison term of five years.

Police will allege Mr Read was struck by a white Kia Sportage about 6.40am last Wednesday, near the corner of Pakington and Church streets in North Geelong.

Anyone who witnessed the collision, has CCTV/dashcam footage or information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as ‘Should be dead’: Alleged hit and run survivor Lochie Read, 21, speaks out after horror ordeal