Man, 25, charged over Alexandra hit-run that killed ‘spirited’ footballer Jordan Purcell

A man is facing a string of charges over the fatal crash that killed “spirited” young footballer Jordan Purcell in an Alexandra hit-run in 2019.

Jordan Purcell’s family, Lyndon, Sue and Ebony. Picture: Daniel Pockett

A young Alexandra man is facing a string of charges over the hit-run that killed “spirited” young footballer Jordan Purcell.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said detectives from the Major Collision Investigation Unit charged a 25-year-old man over the fatal 2019 collision that left Mr Purcell, 20, with life-threatening injuries.

Paramedics found the 20-year-old football player lying on the road fighting for life.

Emergency services rushed Mr Purcell, from Mount Duneed, to hospital but he sadly died en route.

Jordan Purcell was remembered as someone who loved football and his mates.

The 20-year-old was killed in an Alexandra hit-run in 2019.

The spokeswoman said that after an “extensive investigation” the man faced a string of charges, including culpable driving causing death, dangerous driving causing death, failing to stop after an accident causing death, failing to render assistance after an accident causing death, reckless conduct endangering life and reckless conduct endangering serious injury.

He has been bailed and will front the Benalla Magistrates’ Court on August 31.

Ebony, Sue and Lyndon near the site of the hit-run. Picture: Daniel Pockett.

It is believed one of Mr Purcell’s teammates was behind the wheel of the vehicle that struck him on Hall St about 12.15am on June 16, 2019.

Police interviewed the alleged driver of the car at the time of the fatal crash but released him pending further inquiries.

Mr Purcell’s father, Michael Purcell, remembered his son at the time of his death as someone who was passionate about his local footy, cricket and his mates.

“He was a spirited young man and in recent months has started to understand the importance of boundaries,” he said.

Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives recreated the scene of the collision which killed Jordan Purcell. Picture: Daniel Pockett

In 2019, as detectives worked to piece together how the crash unfolded, Mr Purcell said he was not angry at the driver.

“We went to a couple of the households of the kids who were in the car.

“Obviously the investigation is ongoing … but we don’t want anger to come into this.

“There is nothing productive to come of that.

“I feel for the driver. Bearing in mind it’s early days and I haven’t been told categorically what occurred.”

The speed limit on Hall St at the time of Mr Purcell’s death was 40km/h.