Bravery can cost a life. It did on January 24, 2012.
Christian Dejanovic was 31 when he was struck by a train near St Albans train station while trying to save a young girl who was moving precipitously close to the tracks and into the path of an oncoming train.
A coroner’s report that included witness accounts from a bystander and a railway employee standing behind Mr Dejanovic, stated the cadet marine engineer saw the danger the young girl was in, jumped a fence, ran towards her intent on her rescue and “tragically” misjudged the distances and speed of the train. He died instantly of his injuries.
But the coroner said there was also a possibility he did not misinterpret the distance and speed of the train.
“It is quite possibly the case that the generosity of spirit of this man extended to his jumping over the fence and running forward in an attempt to cause the youngster to turn back, and that he did so while fully appreciating the sacrifice he was making,” the report stated.
“He clearly demonstrated a remarkable degree of courage and selflessness … his actions will be long remembered.”
At the time of the incident, reports circulated that Mr Dejanovic had tried to beat the train across the tracks at one of Melbourne’s most dangerous level crossings.
His mother Dianne said the family received hate mail from people expressing their anger at his “stupidity”.
But last week the record was finally set straight.
On Sunday, Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove posthumously awarded Christian one of just 26 Bravery Medals for the courage he displayed five years ago.
“Sadly, there are those whose brave acts mean they are no longer with us. Today, to their families, I express the nation’s sadness at your loss but pride in your loved one’s actions,” he said.
“On behalf of all Australians, I thank them for their bravery. They are a source of courage, support and inspiration, and we are a stronger, safer and more caring nation because of them.”
Mrs Dejanovic said she was lost for words when she was told her son was to receive a bravery award, which recognises acts of bravery in other than warlike situations by people who put themselves in jeopardy to protect the lives of others.
“I can only say that at last Christian has been acknowledged for his courage and very generous spirit,” she told Star Weekly.
“If Christian was alive today I would feel very proud he has received a bravery award.
“Instead I don’t know how I feel, like any grieving parent we get lost for words in describing our feelings, they are so all engulfing and they take me right back to the day he was killed.”
