Tributes have flowed for a Melbourne man who was allegedly hit and killed by an out-of-control car outside the Supanova Comic Con & Gaming convention.
Volka Aksoy, 20, died after a car allegedly mounted the kerb on Langs Rd outside the Melbourne Showgrounds about 5pm on Saturday.
Mr Astoy died at the scene.
Another 20-year-old was taken to hospital with serious injuries to his lower body, while a third was discharged after being treated for shock.
9News reports Mr Aksoy had spent the day at the popular comic convention before the tragedy struck.
His mother told the network her son was a “kind and compassionate young man” who “cherished time” with his friends and family, “whom he loved deeply”.
“He had a beautiful spirit, he was very much loved and will be profoundly missed by all who knew him,” she continued.
Mr Aksoy’s mother told 9News their family was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, saying her boy’s life was “taken far too soon”.
The 20-year-old worked at a fast food restaurant in the Melbourne suburb of Keysborough, with friend and co-worker Hasha Kong also paying tribute to him.
“He had big dreams, he was very intellectual,” she said,
“That’s what I’m going to miss the most about him.
“The team are still distraught. He would always come in with a smile on his face. Now he’s watching from above.
Awer Dau, 33, has been charged with dangerous driving causing death and culpable driving causing death following the alleged incident.
During an appearance at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Sunday, he was not required to speak and sat hunched over with his arms on his knees as he appeared on video link from Melbourne West Police station.
His lawyer told the court his client would not apply for bail.
The court was told a toxicological report, a forensic examination of the alleged vehicle, a mechanical reconstruction of the crash and a review of the CCTV and witness statements still needed to be collected and prepared.
Police will allege Mr Dau was on bail at the time.
He will return to court on September 15.
Supanova’s organisers held a minute silence at midday over the tragedy.
“We here at Supanova Comic Con & Gaming are deeply saddened and distressed by the incident that occurred outside the Melbourne Showgrounds this evening,” organisers wrote in a statement on social media.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by the unspeakable tragedy that has happened on our doorstep.”
“As the matter is still under police investigation and took place outside the Showgrounds precinct, we do not have any further details at present.
“As such, we will not enter into any speculation regarding this appalling situation until all the facts come to light.”
