Man charged after cyclist killed in hit-run on Beach Rd in Beaumaris
Tributes are flowing for a much-loved former Oakleigh South high school principal, who was struck and killed while cycling on Beach Rd. It comes as narrowing works on the popular cycling route spark fears of more deaths.
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A senior Department of Education employee who was hit and killed by a car while riding along Beach Rd has been remembered as a passionate educator who “always placed students first”.
Tributes are flowing for Deborah Locco, 60, who died when she was hit near Wells Rd in Beaumaris at 5.25pm yesterday.
The Mentone mother had an extensive portfolio in the state’s education system including service as the department’s regional director and principal at South Oakleigh College.
Christopher Hyslop, 35, of Armstrong Creek was on Monday night charged with culpable driving, dangerous driving causing death and failing to stop. He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
Ms Locco is survived by her three children who tragically lost their father and ex-Chandler Secondary College Keysborough teacher Frank Locco in 2016.
A source told the Herald Sun Mr Locco, who was the brother of former Brighton mayor John Locco, died after sustaining serious injuries in a diving accident while on holiday in the Philippines.
A Department of Education spokesman said Mrs Locco was a passionate educator who “always placed students first”.
Mrs Locco was my High School maths teacher. She deserved better than this. Mrs Locco to me will be remembered as someone who was supportive, motivating, encouraging and just a really good hardworking honest human! My deepest sympathy to the Locco family. â¤ï¸ https://t.co/a1jmflbAkv
— The Difference (@ThisIsTrikki) May 25, 2020
Ms Locco was recognised in her award of an Australian Council for Educational Leaders (ACEL) Fellowship last year.
“Deb was a much-loved and admired colleague...she was known to thousands of Victorian educators through her career as a mathematics teacher, acting principal at Chandler Secondary College, principal at South Oakleigh Secondary College and her many regional roles, including as acting regional director of the southeastern Victoria region,” he said.
“She had an infectious enthusiasm, both for life and work and an unwavering commitment to supporting teachers and principals.
“She had a clear sense of purpose and deep strength of character, nowhere more evident than in the dignity and fortitude with which she faced the tragic death of her husband Frank in 2016.
“Deb leaves behind three children, one of whom is now also a colleague, currently working in the Victorian government school system,” the spokesman said.
South Oakleigh College principal Helen Koziaris said the college community was saddened and grieving from the tragic death of Mrs Locco.
“She was not only a professional colleague but a friend to all who shaped and drove educational change and supported staff, students and parents in their day to day lives,” Ms Koziaris said.
“Our deepest condolences go to Debbie’s family at this time … our thoughts, love and strength are with them, she will be greatly missed, but always remembered.”
Ms and Mr Locco were leading advocates for the Skyline Foundation, which provides gifted students from disadvantaged backgrounds with financial assistance to improve their education opportunites.
“Frank was a founding principal of the program 10 years ago ... together with Deborah, they were the most extraordinary representatives for young people,” chief executive Jane Sydenham-Clarke said.
“It’s an absolute tragedy ... they had an extraordinary impact on student’s lives.”
Beach Rd is undergoing works to narrow it, which has created fears in the community about more cycling accidents on the popular thoroughfare which attracts thousands of cyclists every weekend.
On May 13, a woman aged in her 30s was taken to hospital after a crash with another rider at the intersection of Beach and Charman roads.
The work is about 1km from yesterday’s fatality. Do Not Narrow Beach Rd campaigners say they fear more cycling accidents on the popular thoroughfare, which attracts thousands of riders every weekend.
The fatality happened on a section of Beach Rd that narrows to one lane in each direction.
Do Not Narrow Beach Rd campaigner and Kingston councillor Geoff Gledhill urged the council officers to review the second stage of the Bay Trail Project in light of the tragedy.
“Our thoughts are with the family of the poor woman involved,” he said.
And campaigner Gavin Nolan said the shocking tragedy showed a need for a review of the final stretch of the Bay Trail, which will narrow Beach Rd from Mentone to Mordialloc to the same width as where Ms Locco was killed.
“Kingston Council and Vic Roads have held up the Bayside section (where Ms Locco was killed) as an ideal standard for width.”
Mr Nolan said come next summer - when the works are complete - the group has grave fears people will be seriously injured or killed.
“When they asked cyclists about how they felt about the narrowing of road, 97 out of 100 said they feared for their safety,” Mr Nolan said.
Detectives from the Major Collision Investigation Unit are still investigating the circumstances which led to the crash.
The road between Charman Rd and Tramway Pde was shut down during the probe.
Police urge anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have dashcam footage to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
brittany.goldsmith@news.com.au
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