A 33-year-old Hillside man was arrested but later released over last week’s hit and run in Delahey that left one teen dead and another fighting for her life.
Anthony Nguyen and Jasmine Vuong, both 17, were struck by an SUV while crossing Taylors Road, near Braeswood Road, about 11.30pm last Tuesday.
Mr Nguyen, who sustained head injuries from the accident, died on Wednesday night at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.
Ms Vuong has undergone surgery for a fractured skull and remained in a critical condition at the Royal Melbourne at the time Star Weekly went to print.
She also sustained multiple broken bones, including a broken arm and broken hip.
Family and friends of the pair have left floral tributes and messages at the accident site.
Our earlier report: Victim Jasmine Vuong shows sign of recovery
Major collision investigation group (MCIG) detectives used a headlight recovered at the scene to determine the vehicle involved in the hit run.
The analysis revealed a light-coloured Nissan Dualis SUV, manufactured between October 2007 and January 2010, as the vehicle.
Police then released CCTV footage of the vehicle they were searching for before arresting a Hillside man at his home about 1pm last Thursday.
A car matching the description of the Nissan Dualis involved in the fatal hit-run was also found at the property.
MCIG’s Detective Inspector Bernie Rankin branded the hit-run a disgrace.
“The damage is extensive enough that it’s not possible the driver hasn’t realise they have hit someone,” Inspector Rankin said.
“For someone to hit two teenagers and then leave without attempting to help them is disgraceful.”
Mr Nguyen left Keilor Downs College in September last year to take up a motor mechanic apprenticeship.
His distraught parents released a statement on Wednesday thanking the community for their thoughts and support.
Keilor Downs College principal Stuart Andrews said the school community was shocked and saddened by the tragedy.
“Anthony was an easy-going, friendly and happy young man who always had a smile for everyone,” Mr Andrews said. “His many school friends are distraught over his sudden loss.”
Ms Vuong was due to start year 12 at Copperfield College last Thursday. Her pregnant mother, Suong Phung, said she could not understand why the driver did not stop to call triple zero.
“Their lives were relying on that call … he just run away,” she said.
– With The Age
