Family pay tribute to cyclist killed in South Yarra hit-run

THE devastated family of a cyclist killed in a hit-run crash in South Yarra has paid tribute to the 27-year-old, who had followed her dream to “live Down Under” for a couple of years.

THE devastated family of a Dutch cyclist killed in a hit-run crash in South Yarra have paid tribute to the 27-year-old.

Relatives of Gitta Scheenhouwer paid an emotional visit to the memorial site in Chapel St this morning.

Her mother and sister made the visit, along with Gitta’s boyfriend Thomas and his family.

Gitta was killed on August 12 when she was hit by a stolen car.

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Dutch cyclist Gitta Scheenhouwer was killed on August 12 when she was hit by a stolen car.

“We can hardly put into words the deep pain and feelings of overwhelming sadness and sorrow at the loss of Gitta Scheenhouwer who was taken from all of us,” the family said.

“Gitta was born and raised in The Hague (The Netherlands), in a very active, supportive always lively and warm family with loving parents, two sisters and a brother.

“A place where the door is always open and love and laughter welcomes you from the minute you step in.

“Gitta and her boyfriend Thomas left their safe haven in the Netherlands to follow their dream to “live Down Under” for a couple of years.

“This was something they had been looking forward to for a long time. After years of studying, gaining work experience and making the preparations needed, their dream commenced on the 17th of May this year.”

Family and friends of Gitta Scheenhouwer visit the floral memorial in Chapel St, South Yarra. Picture: David Crosling

Gitta’s heartbroken mother and sister embrace at the scene. Picture: David Crosling

Gitta’s mother, sister, Gitta’s boyfriend Thomas (wearing a cap), and Thomas’ dad and brother. Picture: David Crosling

Gitta’s mum and sister read the tributes. Picture: David Crosling

After visiting Sydney and Brisbane, the couple drove to Melbourne.

The couple immediately started to explore the city while she looked for work as a graduate architect.

“They were joyfully moving forward in life while relishing the journey, and were both using every minute to the max,” the family said.

A white bike was left at the scene. Picture: David Crosling

“At first they explored the city as tourists, but after a while Melbourne was becoming their own and it started feeling like a home town.”

Gitta enjoyed spending time in St Kilda, visiting the Queen Victoria market, running through the Royal Botanic Gardens and around Albert Park Lake, visiting South Melbourne Market and walking through CBD.

She also attended dance classes at The Space Dance & Arts Centre and enjoyed watching MasterChef.

Her family said she also enjoyed job hunting in the State Library, visiting events in Melbourne Park, “trying every gelato shop in Melbourne” and cycling and running along the Yarra River.

Following Gitta’s death a police manhunt was launched for the driver of the stolen Mercedes involved.

Michael Panayides was arrested in Bourke St after a member of the public reported seeing someone who resembled pictures released by police.

Some of the initial flowers left at the scene. Picture: David Crosling

Police investigate at the scene. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

The 26-year-old appeared at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on August 14, charged with culpable driving causing death, failure to render assistance and dealing with the proceeds of crime did not apply for bail.

Magistrate Phillip Goldberg remanded Panayides to reappear in December.

Before his capture Major Collisions Investigation Unit detective Inspector Stuart McGregor said police had been searching tirelessly for the alleged driver.

Insp McGregor said the car had not been involved in any crimes or police pursuits since it was allegedly stolen from Elsternwick last Sunday.

Fingerprints taken from the stolen Mercedes were also analysed during the hunt for the driver.

Her family said Gitta had been a keen cyclist.

“Riding her pushbike is something Gitta always loved to do,” the family said.

“She was so happy when she bought her new bike to discover Melbourne even more. Gitta and Thomas were really living their Melbourne dream.

“But it got beyond a dream as Gitta had landed a job as a graduate architect last week.

“For her, this was the best feeling in the world. From then, it was time to focus and start working in the industry she loved.

“What most others thought to be impossible and only dare to dream of, Gitta had succeeded. “Always getting everything out of something was what Gitta did best.

“She enjoyed life to the fullest and lived it 100 per cent and more.

The tragic Chapel Street scene where Gitta was killed. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

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“The wonderful dream in which Gitta had been living for two months ended in a tragic way … She was riding her pushbike to a place she loved to go to.

“Everyone who had the privilege of knowing Gitta knows that she will always be in our hearts as the sweet, spontaneous, cheerful girl who was always busy with all of the things she wanted to do while smiling from ear to ear.”

Bike riders will take part in a memorial bike ride next Tuesday August 28, and will stop on the corner of Chapel St and Grosvenor St in South Yarra at 7.30am to take a moment to remember Gitta.

@davidhurleyHS