Damodar Shreshta, a 79-year-old man visiting from Nepal, has tragically died after being struck by a car on Abell Road in Melonba, Sydney’s west, late on Sunday night.
NSW Police are urgently searching for the driver who allegedly fled the scene without stopping.
Emergency services were called to the scene around 11:45 pm, following reports of an injured man on the side of the road. Paramedics worked tirelessly to save the elderly man, but he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The victim, who was in Australia to celebrate his daughter’s 25th wedding anniversary, was described by his grieving family as a “lovely family man” who always cared for his loved ones.
His daughter, too distraught to appear on camera, expressed her heartbreak on Sunrise, condemning the driver for their cowardly actions in fleeing the scene.
Initial investigations suggest the man was hit by a purple or blue coupe travelling eastbound on Abell Road. CCTV footage released by the police shows the suspected vehicle speeding through the area.
Specialist officers from the Crash Investigation Unit have established and forensically examined a crime scene to uncover more details.
The police have appealed to the public for assistance in identifying the vehicle and any potential witnesses. They are seeking anyone with dashcam footage from the area or any information related to the incident to come forward.
A report is being prepared for the coroner to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the crash. Investigators continue to piece together the events of that fateful night.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Your assistance could be crucial in bringing justice to the grieving family of the deceased.
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