Man charged over fatal St Albans hit-run

A 64-year-old Essendon man has been charged over a fatal hit-run in St Albans on Wednesday night. Loving father-of-three and dedicated volunteer Arthur Frangis was struck and killed in the incident.

A MAN has been charged two days after an alleged hit-run which killed an elderly man in St Albans.

The 64-year-old Essendon man was tonight charged with dangerous driving causing death, fail to stop and fail to render assistance.

He was denied bail and is due to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court tomorrow.

Arthur Frangis, 78, was struck and killed on Main Rd East, near the corner of Erica Ave about 9pm on Wednesday while walking home from volunteering at nearby Westvale soccer club.

A passer-by phoned triple-0, but Mr Frangis could not be saved.

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St Albans hit-run victim Arthur Frangis, 78, who volunteered at the Westvale Soccer Club.

Arthur Frangis came to Australia from Greece in 1965, bringing with him a love of the world game.

Mr Frangis was remembered as a family man with a strong community spirit.

“He was a thoughtful person who always put his family first,” son John Frangis said.

He came to Australia from Greece in 1965 and brought with him his love of the world game.

“He loved his soccer, helped work in the cafeteria and was well-liked among his friends,” John said.

“He was catering at the soccer club. When he finished, he made his way home … didn’t get there.”

Arthur’s three children and wife Helen are mourning their beloved father and husband.

Mr Frangis was the “best man” at the Westvale SC, according to president Peter Petropoulos.

“Arthur basically was our man who would do it all, anything that needed to be done.

‘We can’t replace him. We won’t find another Arthur.

“We lost our best man.”

Family members of the Mr Frangis speak to media at the scene.

Mr Frangis’s heartbroken sister, Anna Gargas, at the scene. Picture: Sarah Matray

Emotional John Frangis, Arthur’s son, speaks at pres conference. Picture: Sarah Matray

Arthur Frangis was killed in a alleged hit-run crash at St Albans overnight. Picture: Ian Currie

“He left the club with his head held high after saying goodbye to his friend of more than 15 years.

“I said ‘look, Arthur, let me take you home. I don’t want you going home by yourself’ but he was adamant to go,” Mr Petropoulos said.

“He had his head up high, smiling. That’s how he was all the time.”

Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives swept the area for CCTV footage and asked the driver of a red hatchback car to come forward.

Detectives believed the car’s bonnet and windscreen would have been badly damaged in the crash.

A man's shoe lies on the road. Picture: Ian Currie

Westvale soccer club president Peter Petropoulos is devastated by the death, as is the whole club community. Picture: Sarah Matray

Mr Frangis’ elderly sister visited the scene on Thursday.

She wept for her brother as her son Tass comforted her.

“I loved him with all my heart,” Tass said.

“We’re family and he’s gone. He was a loveable family man.”

Detectives want to speak to anyone who saw the crash or were in the area at the time.

Police are urging witnesses, or anyone with information or dashcam footage, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au

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