In connection with the suspected hit-and-run death of a 79-year-old grandfather in western Sydney, police are looking for a driver.
About 11.45 p.m. yesterday, two individuals driving by on Abell Road in Melonba, a Blacktown suburb, noticed Damodor Shrestha lying on the side of the road and alerted emergency services.
Shrestha was allegedly struck by a purple coupe while out for a jog and left to perish.
Inspector Michael Walsh stated, “The vehicle probably has damage to the front side, especially to the headlight and its windscreen.”
In order to help identify the automobile and the occupants inside, the police have published pictures and footage of the vehicle.
While Shrestha was in Sydney visiting family, he had just gone out to supper to celebrate his daughter’s 25th wedding anniversary.
Shrestha is from Nepal. Sagun Shrestha, his daughter, remarked that she and her family were “absolutely devastated”.
“He was a loving father, husband and source of inspiration to his grandchildren,” she said.
Because there was no designated walkway along Abell Road, locals expressed dread when they had to go there.
“When I walk up and down this route, I worry for my life. Steering between parked cars can be risky and intimidating when there are trucks and cars around. “I’m afraid,” Lisa, a local, exclaimed.
Another person, Srikanth, said, “We people here already knew that something bad is going to happen.”
“They are building up homes left right and centre, they should be building up roads, proper infrastructure,” Karan, a neighbour, remarked.
“Extends his deepest sympathy and the condolences of Blacktown City Council to the Melonba family who are today mourning the loss of their father Damodar Dashresta/Shrestha, following a hit and run incident in Abell Road,” said Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting in a statement this afternoon.
According to Bunting, locals have been informed by the council about the creation of a pathway on Abell Road, where work is “scheduled to commence soon.”
