Tributes pour in for popular triathlete who died after horrific hit-and-run crash
A close-knit triathlon community is mourning the loss of one of their athletes who died in hospital, after being struck by a ute on Thursday, with police expected to upgrade charges against a driver accused of fleeing the scene.
Michelle Ruitenbeek should have been competing in the St Kilda Triathlon on Sunday, but instead her family was forced to switch off her life support.
The 50-year-old was cycling along the Nepean Highway at Chelsea on Thursday, when she was involved in a pre-dawn hit-run. Her bike was torn in two and the driver fled.
She was left in a critical condition and died in hospital on Saturday.
Her death has rocked the athlete’s friends, who issued a plea for everyone to pay more attention on the roads.
“We’re devastated. We’re absolutely gutted,” Mornington Peninsula Triathlon Club President Kirrily Guinan told 7 News.
“She’s a club champion, she’s a Victorian champion, and this year she was named as an Ironman All World Athlete.”
Friend Oscar Riley described the triathlete as a “bubbly and energetic” character.
“I don’t think I ever saw her at training without a smile on her face,” he said.
Her cycling mates wore black armbands during Sunday’s race as a mark of respect. They also left a floral tribute at the transition area where her bike and running gear should have been.
When the kilometres started to build up, Oscar Riley thought of Ms Ruitenbeek to get him past the finish line.
“I was on the run, starting to fade a bit, and I thought ‘well if I can do this Michelle can too’. It gave me more energy and power,” he said.
Cyclist urge road users to heed more caution
The triathlon community is now urging road users, including cyclists, to be more alert and aware of their surroundings, to avoid another tragedy.
“There are bad cyclists, there are bad drivers, but everyone is intending, when they leave home, to get home at the end,” said Grant Cosgriff, Executive Director of Triathlon Victoria.
“No matter what you think of cyclists, whatever you think of drivers, just remember they’re someone’s daughter, son, Mum, someones friend – and in our case, our team mate,” Ms Guinan said.
Driver charged after cyclist’s death
A 28-year-old driver from Parkdale was arrested on Thursday and charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury and failing to render assistance.
He was granted bail and is expected to face court on August 1.
Following the cyclist’s death, detectives will review the charges and it’s expected they will be upgraded, Victoria Police said on Sunday.
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