Allan Smillie, 76, was last week riding his mobility scooter home from the local supermarket at Kingston as he did every Saturday.
Only this time, on 22 February, he was hit by a car allegedly driven by an intoxicated teenager.
He died at the scene
“Uncle Al was well known and loved in the community, where he was a friendly and familiar face to many,” a family member, Jade Leon wrote online.
“His kind, warm and gentle spirit touched so many lives, his passing is not just a loss to our family, but to all who knew him.
“The community has lost a dear friend and we are all struggling to come to terms with this tragedy.”
Police allege a red Ford Focus failed to stop at a stop sign along Anthony Street, before colliding with a Holden Barina and crashing into Mr Smillie on his mobility scooter.
The 17-year-old driver of the Ford Focus, who police allege was unlicensed and under the influence, was restrained by members of the public until officers arrived and he was taken into custody.
“During a search of the boy and his backpack, police allegedly located cannabis, medication that was not prescribed to him and two cards that police allege were stolen,” police said in a statement.
“A male and female, passengers of the vehicle, left the scene on foot.
“The occupant of the Holden Barina sustained non-life-threatening injuries.”
Police confirmed the Focus was not stolen.
The 17-year-old, from Waterford West, was charged with seven offences including dangerous driving of a vehicle causing death while adversely affected by an intoxicating substance, leaving the scene of the incident without obtaining help, driving unlicensed, and drug possession.
He has also been charged with nine unrelated property crimes.
Police allege these charges relate to offences committed two days before the crash, including the theft of number plates at Crestmead and a burglary at Greenbank.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark White said the driver was known to police.
“We are still piecing together the timeline leading up to the crash, including where the vehicle had been and what the occupants were doing,” he said.
“From my perspective it’s a message for everybody around to make sure if you’re driving a car you’ve got to be really alert of what’s going on.
“The fact the car went through a stop sign was really the catalyst for what occurred.”
He acknowledged the role of the community during the incident.
“There were a number of members of the community who provided medical assistance to the 76-year-old man that was struck by the vehicle and they did their very best to try and provide what assistance they could until QAS arrived,” he said.
“I’d also like to acknowledge the other members of the community who were able to apprehend the male driver. The assistance provided by the community in that instance was exceptional and I’d just like to acknowledge that as part of this media release today.”
Ms Leon said the passing of Mr Smillie left his family with a “massive loss emotionally and financially”.
The family currently has created a GoFundMe to raise money to pay for Mr Smillie’s funeral.
“So we can give Uncle Al the farewell he deserves,” Ms Leon said.
“Any contribution, no matter how small, will help ease the financial burden on our family during this incredibly difficult time.
Access the fundraiser here: https://gofund.me/f1fa046a.
