Keilor East hit and run: Taylors Lakes footballer ‘left for dead’

The parents of an up-and-coming Taylors Lakes footballer are appealing to the man whose motorcycle struck their son down to give himself up to police.

Avondale Heights police confirmed that some time between 6.30pm and 6.45pm on October 3, 16-year-old Mason Mackay was hit by an allegedly stolen motorbike as the rider ran a red light on Milleara Road and Buckley Street, Keilor East.

The motorcyclist did not stop. The Essendon Keilor College year 10 student was crossing the road with two friends when one of two bikes – which were allegedly travelling more than 100km/h – struck him down.

According to witnesses, both motorcycles had passengers on the back, and one bike was a red and white Yamaha R6. Both motorcycles are alleged to have been stolen.

“They left him on the side of the road like an injured animal,” his mother, Emma Mackay, said. “He’s a fit and healthy young boy and he will heal, but for the people who did this, that’s really not fair he was left like that.”

Mason’s injuries include four fractured vertebrae and a fractured pelvis. His leg was broken in two places and there was heavy grazing on his face, arm, and legs.

“He’s had two surgeries – one to repair the gash under his knee where a fracture was and another to put plates into his leg,” his mother said.

Mason was recently accepted into the Western Jets TAC Cup summer program, which he will not now be able to take up.

He came out of hospital on October 16.

“His friends have been phenomenal and visited most days. They’ve sat with him, playing cards and making him laugh. They’ve been amazing,” Ms Mackay said.

“He’s trying to keep in high spirits. He’s said, ‘Bones heal, and chicks dig scars’. But it’s hard to take in that they didn’t even stop.”

If you have any information, call Avondale Heights police on 9337 6777.