Mitch East: Sydney lawyer’s mother speaks of grief at his death

The grieving mother of a lawyer killed in a suspected hit and run in Sydney on the weekend has urged police to “find that car”, as she reveals a heartbreaking act.

The grieving mother of a high-flying young lawyer killed in a suspected hit and run after stepping out of an Uber has urged police to “find that car” as she attempts to understand his death.

Mitch East was found with critical injuries on the road at Fletcher St, Tamarama about 4am on Sunday morning.

His mother, Debra, revealed how she has since visited the scene of his death in the early hours of the morning to understand how it could have happened.

The 28-year-old has been remembered as a talented lawyer and popular friend who had moved to Sydney from his homeland of New Zealand to work at a top law firm.

Sydney lawyer Mitch East died on Sunday.

Mr East’s mother, Debra, told 7 News on Tuesday she was “broken” at the death of her only child.

“I died too, on Sunday, with him,” she said.

It is believed Mr East was killed after stepping out of an Uber and being struck by a passing car near the home he shared with his partner.

Police have appealed for the driver of a white Subaru seen in the area to come forward to help assist with inquiries into the incident.

“I got up early hours of the morning today and stood on the side of the road to try to understand how they couldn’t have seen him as they were driving up,” his mother revealed.

“I just need you to help the police find that car. Not that it will bring him back to me.”

Mitch’s family and friends have been devastated by his death.

Police are investigating the circumstances of the incident.

Friends and colleagues of Mr East have paid tribute to the respected solicitor who studied at Harvard Law School and was a senior adviser in the Royal Commission into the Christchurch terror attack.

Kane Dunkley wrote on a GoFundMe page on Monday night, which has raised more than $98,000, that Mr East “had so much life left and love to give”.

“He was known and will always be remembered for his hilarious yet kind nature and his incredible ability to befriend everyone he met,” Mr Dunkley wrote.

A white Subaru seen in the area around the time Mr East died.

The page has been flooded with comments from people who knew Mr East.

“Mitch was always a fun, cheeky and kind guy. Rest easy,” Stephanie Oliver wrote.

Bridget McLay said Mr East “was one in a million – brilliant, outrageously fun (and funny) and so kind”.

Sosan Rahimi also sent his condolences to Mr East’s partner, Tash, and his family.

“Mitch was an incredibly intelligent, wonderfully warm and kind soul. What an honour to have had his friendship, he said.

“He was so deeply loved and will be sorely missed.”

Detective Inspector Jason Hogan has urged any person involved in Mr East’s death to visit their local police station “before we knock on their door”.

“It is a cowardly act to drive away after colliding with another human,” he said.

Mitch was a talented young lawyer with a prestigious career ahead of him.

He was also said to be a popular young man with lots of loyal friends.

NSW Police say anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage of the area should contact Crime Stoppers.

Mr East worked at Sydney firm Arnold Block Leibler, with the company releasing a statement Monday afternoon.

“In an email sent to all staff this morning, Arnold Bloch Leibler’s Managing Partner Henry Lanzer and Managing Sydney Partner Paul Rubenstein paid tribute to Mitch, describing him as a highly talented lawyer and popular and valued member of the firm, whose loss will be deeply felt,” the statement said.

University of Otago Law Professor Andrew Geddis told New Zealand media Mr East was exceptionally bright, having been offered scholarships to top universities including Harvard and Cambridge.