Elderly man critically injured by hit-run cyclist identified as suburban icon ‘Leftie’
An alleged hit-run that left a beloved Pakenham icon fighting for life sent shockwaves through the suburban community. A campaign is now aiming to raise funds for the volunteer streetsweeper.
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The family of alleged hit-run victim Kelvin Rees says he is a “fighter” as the Pakenham town icon continues to cling to life in hospital after an alleged hit-run.
Father of five Mr Rees, 79, suffered critical head injuries and remains in an induced coma at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.
He was allegedly struck by a cyclist on Tuesday, who allegedly fled the scene in the Main St Plaza car park about 8.20am.
His daughter, Kelly Harrop, praised medical staff for their ongoing efforts to save her father.
“My dad’s a fighter and will hopefully come out the other end,” she said.
“The medical staff are incredible and are working very hard to try and save my dad’s life.
“It’s a waiting game but they are trying their absolute best.”
Police arrested a 24-year-old man in relation to the Pakenham hit-run on Tuesday morning.
Officers located the Morwell man in an abandoned warehouse in Cook St, Pakenham about 11.20am.
He has been charged with reckless conduct and faces more possible charges.
A blue pushbike he was riding during the incident was found at the scene.
Ms Harrop yesterday told the Herald Sun she was hoping for the best.
“He is awesome. He does everything he can to help others,” she said.
PAKENHAM: This is the abandoned warehouse where a person was arrested over a hitrun in Pakenham. The blue bike under the SES tarp is suspected to be involved. The victim is still in hospital fighting for life @7NewsMelbourne pic.twitter.com/zmppFM7HGu
— Cassie Zervos (@cassiezervos) November 12, 2019
Mr Rees is a town icon and is affectionately referred to as “Leftie” due to the fact he only has one arm.
The beloved dad lost his right arm in a serious crash some 35 years ago.
The crash also left him with permanent brain injuries.
For years, Mr Rees has been known to voluntarily sweep Main St with a broom as a good will gesture for the Pakenham community.
He often began each day from as early as 4am and finished before business hours.
It is at this stage unclear if he was street sweeping when he was struck.
The news sent shockwaves through the community, of which Mr Rees has been part of for more than 20 years. A crowdfunding page has been set up to raise funds to support Mr Rees and his family.
. @VictoriaPolice are appealing for information following a hit-run incident in Pakenham this morning. A 79-year-old man suffered life-threatening injuries and was air lifted to hospital after being hit by a bicycle. pic.twitter.com/vWoXv80eyT
— 10 News First Melbourne (@10NewsFirstMelb) November 12, 2019
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The page reads: “He has devoted his time for the past 10-15 years volunteering to clean up the streets of Pakenham.”
“He was down there rain hail or shine, always had a smile on his face and would say hi, do anything to help whichever way possible.
“And when you asked if he needed a hand his response would always be ‘well I’ve only got one’.”
Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage of the cyclist to come forward.
The area will also be canvassed for CCTV footage of the cyclist.