A suspected hit-and-run driver who killed a cardiac nurse in Melbourne was reportedly responsible for a previous fatal car crash.
Lynda Hansen died on Monday night after a stolen white Lexus crashed into her car at Oakleigh, with the driver of the stolen car fleeing while nearby residents performed CPR on the nurse.
It has been reported the suspect in the crash was behind the wheel in another fatal collision, and may have been on bail when he crashed into Ms Hansen and left her for dead.
A male driver who killed a 53-year-old cardiac nurse (pictured is Lynda Hansen) in a hit-and-run in Melbourne on Monday night was allegedly involved in another fatal car crash
Lynda Hansen was travelling in her Silver Toyota (pictured) in Oakleigh around 11pm on Monday when a stolen white Lexus smashed into her the side of her car
But Victoria Police was unable to confirm these details and a spokeswoman said an ‘internal document’ with details of a suspect in the Oakleigh fatal crash had been leaked to news outlets.
‘The investigation is at a critical phase and police are unable to confirm details of the investigation and are pursuing a number of avenues of enquiry,’ spokeswoman Natalie Savino said on Wednesday.
It is also believed the man has a history of ice use and was allegedly high when he slammed into Ms Hansen,according to the Herald Sun.
Victoria Police are calling for witnesses to come forward to help identify the driver, who is described as 181cm tall, solid build with short dark thick hair, and was wearing long shorts, runners and a dark T-shirt.
Police received numerous Triple-0 calls regarding the white Lexus on Monday night, with witnesses reporting his erratic driving and speeding.
A dashboard camera caught the car running a red light in nearby Chadstone earlier in the night.
Ms Hansen’s family said in a statement on Tuesday her death had left them ‘shocked’ and ‘devastated’.
The 53-year-old has been described as a compassionate, yoga loving, family orientated woman.
Police received numerous Triple-0 calls regarding the white Lexus (pictured) on Monday night, with witnesses reporting his erratic driving and speeding
It’s understood Ms Hansen (pictured right is her car, left the Lexus) was driving south down Warrigal Road and had starting her right turn into Barkly Street
‘Lynda was a very caring and family orientated person. She was a compassionate cardiac nurse at a large private hospital and was excited to be commencing a new position within the hospital in the next week,’ the statement said.
‘Lynda was dedicated to her spiritual life, enjoyed Yoga and sang in a gospel choir.
‘She enjoyed overseas travel and loved to help people, especially her elderly mother.
‘Lynda leaves behind many shocked and devastated friends and family members.
‘We wish to thank the caring people who tried to help Lynda and Victoria Police Force for all of their support.
‘Whilst we understand the interest in this tragic matter, we would appreciate that the privacy of our family is respected at this time.’
It’s understood Ms Hansen was driving south down Warrigal Road and had starting her right turn into Barkly Street.
The stolen Lexus was travelling north before it collided with the turning vehicle.
An officer is seen taking pictures of the scene of the fatal crash
The white car (pictured) was stolen from Elwood on September 28
The white car was stolen from Elwood on September 28.
The man was also described to have an afro-like hairstyle and to be an obese character, according to Detective Senior Sergeant Brad McArthur of Victoria Police.
Detective Senior Sergeant McArthur said it was likely the survivor had sustained injuries.
‘While nobody said they noticed him limping from the scene, I’d say that he’d be fairly sore and sorry for himself now,’ he told ABC News.
‘(It’s) absolutely reckless behaviour and this is the tragic result of it.’