'Living her dream': Emotional tribute from cyclist's family after hit-and-run death
The Dutch cyclist killed after being struck in a horrific hit-and-run in Melbourne has been remembered by her family as a “sweet, spontaneous and cheerful girl”.
Gitta Scheenhouwer, 27, was travelling in a bike lane in South Yarra’s Chapel Street when she was struck by a white Mercedes-Benz and knocked into the path of another car on August 12.
On Monday, her family released a statement through Victoria Police, saying they could “hardly put into words the deep pain and overwhelming sadness” at the loss of Ms Scheenhouwer.
They said the young woman was born and raised in The Netherlands and had moved to Australia in May with her boyfriend Thomas to follow their dream to “live down-under” for a few years.
“After visiting Sydney and Brisbane, they drove to Melbourne,” the family statement read.
“Gitta and Thomas immediately started to explore the city while she was also looking for work as a graduate architect.
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“They were joyfully moving forward in life while relishing the journey, and were both using every minute to the max.”
According to her heartbroken loved ones, Ms Scheenhouwer loved exploring Melbourne including visiting the Queen Victoria market, running through the Botanic Gardens and strolling to the South Melbourne Market.
“Riding her pushbike is something Gitta always loved to do,” they said.
“She was so happy when she bought her new bike to discover Melbourne even more. Gitta and Thomas were really living their Melbourne dream.”
Ms Scheenhouwer had only just landed a job as a graduate architect in the days before she was killed.
A memorial will be held on Tuesday morning at the corner of Chapel Street and Grosvenor Street in South Yarra to remember Ms Scheenhouwer.
Michael Panayides, 26, has been charged with culpable driving and failing to stop or render assistance.
