The family of the nurse who died in a fatal hit and run collision in Melbourne on Monday night has described the 53-year-old as a compassionate, yoga loving, family orientated woman.
Lynda Hansen, who worked as a cardiac nurse, was travelling in her Silver Toyota in Oakleigh around 11pm, when she was crashed into by a stolen Lexus.
The other driver fled the scene on foot, while bystanders rushed to assist Ms Hansen, who initially survived the impact.
Ms Hansen’s family said in a statement on Tuesday, her death had left them ‘shocked’ and ‘devastated’.
There has been an outpouring of grief for fatal hit-and-run victim, Lynda Hansen (pictured), with the family describing her as a compassionate woman who loved to help others
‘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.’
Ms Hansen was killed after her silver Toyota (pictured) collided with a stolen white Lexus in Oakfield on Monday night
It’s understood Ms Hansen was driving south down Warrigal Road and had starting her right turn into Barkly Street.
The stolen white car was travelling north before it collided with the turning vehicle.
Victoria Police have appealed to witnesses for information on the identity of the Lexus driver, which was stolen from Elwood on September 28.
He was also described to be around 181cm tall, in his 20s or 30s, with a solid build and short, dark and thick hair.
Witnesses described him to have been wearing long shorts, runners and a dark t-shirt, and was last seen fleeing east of Warrigal Road.
It’s understood Ms Hansen was driving south down Warrigal Road and had starting her right turn into Barkly Street
Police investigators were told the vehicle was seen earlier in the night in the Chadstone area.
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.’
Victoria Police have appealed to witnesses for information on the identity of the Lexus driver, which was stolen from Elwood on September 28