Bannockburn crash victim identified as Michael Hankin, son of late former Banksia boss Ian Hankin
The man killed in a car crash near Geelong has been identified as the son of a prominent businessman who suffered a similar tragic fate.
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A man killed in a car wreck near Geelong has been identified as the son of a prominent former businessman who also died in a crash.
Michael Hankin, 33, of East Ballarat, died on the Midland Highway near Bannockburn on Wednesday morning after his car hit a tree.
His late father, Ian, was killed in a horror crash in 2012 when his BMW collided with a truck on the Western Highway, in Burrumbeet.
His family is well known and highly respected within the community.
Hankin Snr, 59, was a former Solicitor’s Prize winner and managing partner of the biggest law firm in Ballarat, Heinz & Partners, at the time of his death.
He was also a former chairman of rural lender Banksia Financial Group until he stepped down from the position about three years before the company’s collapse.
The mother of Michael Hankin, who attended the Ballarat Clarendon College, is also a well known now retired teacher.
A former colleague at UFS Dispensary, where he has been a employed for most of his adult life, said many had been left “stunned”.
“It was shocking news,” she said.
“He has been working here for ages.
“We are still feeling numb about but are getting all the support we need.”
Victoria Police are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash, with a major crime scene established on Wednesday.
Mr Hankin’s white Toyota Camry was intercepted by police in Lethbridge the evening before he was found dead.
Attending officers decided not to pursue him after he sped off when approached, according to Victoria Police.
His car was found the following morning, about 6am, crashed into a tree.
Detectives are preparing a brief of evidence for the coroner.
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Originally published as Bannockburn crash victim identified as Michael Hankin, son of late former Banksia boss Ian Hankin
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