Police still trying to identify man who was killed at Pakenham in 2008

He’s only been known as “the Pakenham man” since he was fatally struck by a train in 2008, but police believe an anonymous tip may finally help to reveal his identity.

A mystery man who came forward to police with information but has since gone silent may hold the answers to a grisly death more than 15 years ago.

Detectives investigating the death of a man who was hit by two trains at Pakenham in 2008 are continuing efforts to formally identify the victim.

No one had ever come forward with information about the victim’s identity was until an episode of the Herald Sun’s “The Missing Australia” podcast was aired earlier this year.

An anonymous person then came forward to Crime Stoppers in October with potentially crucial details of the man spoken about in the episode.

But that person, who gave investigators the victim’s first name and occupation, has not been able to be contacted since.

Police are desperately asking that person to come forward again to help identify the man killed in 2008.

His last living moments were caught on the train’s CCTV system, where he was seen rubbing his eyes and scratching his head as he stood next to the doors before the train terminated at Pakenham.

Investigators believe the man then entered the tracks at Pakenham station in front of a stationary train bound for the city about 9.15pm on August 14 in 2008.

Police are still trying to identify this man who was hit by a train at Pakenham in 2008. Picture: ABC

Unaware of the man’s presence, the train took off from the platform and struck the man.

He was then hit by a second citybound train about 10 minutes later before the driver alerted authorities.

The man’s death is not suspicious but police are still attempting to identify him.

Detective Senior Sergeant Glen McGowan said his small crew at Cardinia CIU were desperate to uncover the deceased man’s identity.

He said their mystery man provided the deceased man’s first name, some minor employment details and his family background.

“The information provided leads us to believe that they had a personal connection to the deceased, they had a rough picture of his life,” he said.

“Unfortunately it was a bit generic to narrow it down, but with some conversations we’ll be able to get some detail to really narrow it down.

The man who was killed at Pakenham Station appears to be of Indian subcontinent descent.

“There’s a family out there somewhere who has a deceased loved one and are probably wondering what’s happened to them or where they are.”

Detective Senior Sergeant McGowan said the mystery man came forward after hearing of the case on News Corp’s “The Missing Australia” podcast.

“They’d had no idea that police were trying to identify this deceased person and said they would’ve come forward sooner if they had known,” he added.

“It was only by chance that they heard the podcast on Spotify and, in their mind, believe it to be the person they nominated.”

The man was wearing this jacket on the night he died.

He was struck by a train after he arrived at Pakenham.

DNA samples failed to match him to a name while his body was kept in a mortuary. No family members have ever come forward and he was later buried at an unmarked grave at Springvale.

Police have re-released a digital facial image, CCTV and a picture of the jacket he was wearing — with a “Valley Statesman Rugby League” logo printed — in the hopes someone can help identify him.

The victim was of Indian subcontinental appearance, aged between 20 and 30, about 170cm tall with an olive complexion, short dark hair and was unshaven.

Anyone with information about the man is again urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.