Bannockburn man, 52, dead after being hit by car in Stonehaven paddock on Saturday night

The 52-year-old Bannockburn man suffered fatal injuries after being hit by a car allegedly driven by a close mate, with the Geelong motorcycle community mourning the tragic loss.

An empty chair and an esky sit in front of a police tent at the scene. Picture: Mark Wilson

A father-of-two has died after being hit by a car in a paddock at Stonehaven on Saturday night.

A group of men were at a gathering in the paddock just off Fyansford-Gheringhap Rd when Justin Willman from Bannockburn, 52, was struck just after 9.30pm.

He died at the scene.

Bannockburn father Justin Willman died after being run over by a ute at a paddock outside Geelong. Photo: Facebook.

The alleged driver, a 42-year-old from Gherinhap man, was last night charged with culpable driving and dangerous driving causing death.

It’s understood after allegedly hitting the man he had driven off but remained on the property, which is on a quiet stretch between Midland and Hamilton highways.

SES clear the scene. Picture: Mark Wilson

The alleged driver and the victim were close friends.

Officers were last night probing several scenarios, Detective Sargeant Darren Williams told Seven News.

“We have one witness that we weren’t sort of able to speak to so we will be catching up with him later.”

Bannockburn man Justin Willman is being remembered as a good bloke and a top mechanic. Photo: Facebook.

It is understood the witness was taken to hospital due to being too intoxicated

Aerial footage of the scene shows an extinguished bonfire surrounded by camp chairs and beer bottles. There were also multiple tyre tracks across the paddock.

A car is towed from the scene. Picture: Mark Wilson

Meanwhile tributes have poured in from the Geelong motorcycle community following the tragic death of the much loved motorcycle mechanic.

The talented mechanic was being remembered as a “great man” and a “gentleman” following the untimely and shocking accident.

The Motorcycle Shed in Newtown, where he was a “long time friend and industry peer”, said it was a “sad day for the local moto community.”

“A great man and an excellent mechanic that will be missed by us and many,” a spokesman said.

“We are extremely saddened. A sad day for the local moto community.”

A spokesman from the Motions Motor repair shop also paid tribute to “one of the best motorcycle mechanics around.”

“The chats and advice and laughs will be sadly missed,” he said.

“Condolences to all of his family and many friends.”

Friends also took to social media and spoke glowingly about the “Ducati wizard”.

Jake Griffith said he was one of the best mechanics he’d ever met.

“Always did the job spot on and was a top bloke,” he said.

Glenn Falla said the industry had lost “a gentleman.”

“The motorcycling fraternity has lost yet another great man too early,” he said.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Police on the scene in Stonehaven on Saturday night. Source: Nine News

Originally published as Bannockburn man, 52, dead after being hit by car in Stonehaven paddock on Saturday night