Antonios ‘Anton’ Crocaris dies in hospital following alleged Flinders St attack

A BELOVED grandfather has tragically died in hospital, nine days after being injured in the alleged attack on Flinders St. His devastated family has shared a moving statement, saying they will ‘never fully recover’ from the loss.

THE HEARTBROKEN family of an “irreplaceable” elderly victim of last week’s alleged attack on Flinders St have paid tribute to him calling him their “hero.”

Antonios Crocaris passed away tragically aged 83 yesterday evening at the Alfred hospital, nine days after sustaining injuries from a SUV which ploughed through pedestrians in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD.

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Antonios Crocaris, 83, was fatally injured in last week’s alleged attack on Flinders St.

The devastated family have issued a statement.

“Our father Anton had his life cruelly taken away in a senseless act of violence,” the statement reads.

“These circumstances are devastating to our family.

“Dad is simply irreplaceable and we will never fully recover from this loss.

“He was a beloved husband of Elizabeth (dec), adored father of Freda, Tony and Bill, and cherished grandfather of Verity, Lysander and Jackson.

“Friend to all and proud citizen of Australia.

“Our deepest gratitude to the wonderful people of Melbourne and dedicated first responders who rendered him and others every assistance. Special mention to the caring staff of The Alfred Intensive Care Unit.

“Our Dad, our hero.”

The wreckage on Flinders St after the alleged attack. Picture: Michael Klein

Assistant Commissioner Doug Fryer has labelled the death of Mr Crocaris as tragic.

“Such a shocking, tragic, needless loss of life,” Mr Fryer said.

Mr Fryer said he expects the charges against Saeed Noori to be upgraded in the next few days, potentially at an out-of-sessions court hearing.

Mr Crocaris died around 11.30pm last night.

Mr Crocaris’ death is the only fatality so far after accused driver Saeed Noori, allegedly ploughed into pedestrians on December 21.

Noori has been charged with 18 counts of attempted murder and one count of conduct endangering life and homicide squad detectives are expected to upgrade one of those charges to murder.

Victoria Police confirm hospitals have treated 19 other people injured during the Flinders St incident, with six patients remaining in hospital.