Family and friends pay tribute to young model hit by car in Melbourne park
The devastated father and friends of a woman hit and killed by a car at a Melbourne park have paid tribute to the young model.
Elise Hodder, 24, was leaving a rave at Sir Zelman Cowen Park in Kooyong when she and two other pedestrians, were struck in the early hours of yesterday morning.
Police were called to Glenferrie Road in Kooyong about 1.10am yesterday after receiving reports of a noisy gathering.
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Elise Hodder has been remembered as a beautiful and caring person. Nine
When officers arrived at the park they were told a vehicle hit a group in the car park.
Hodder, who had just been featured in New York's Vanguard Magazine, was crushed by a car reversing at speed and died at the scene.
A second woman, aged 26, was taken to hospital with serious injuries to her lower body and has needed surgery to rebuild both her ankles.
A 25-year-old man was also hit but managed to escape injury.
It is understood a rave was happening nearby, and another was planned for the location, but it was moved at the last minute.
Police are investigating if that was why the group was there.
Elise Hodder, 24, was leaving a rave at Sir Zelman Cowen Park in Kooyong when she and two other pedestrians, were struck in the early hours of yesterday morning. Nine
Hodder, who had just been featured in New York's Vanguard Magazine, was crushed by a car reversing at speed and died at the scene. Nine
Sunbury man Connor Mathiasson was allegedly behind the wheel at the time of the crash.
The 23-year-old is accused of having cannabis in his system and of being over the blood alcohol content limit.
He has been charged with several offences including culpable driving causing death, dangerous driving causing death and negligently causing serious injury.
Sunbury man Connor Mathiasson was allegedly behind the wheel and had cannabis in system at the time of the crash. Nine
Today the young model's friends and family left flowers at Sir Zelman Cowen Park, while her father paid tribute to his daughter on Facebook.
"You were the most beautiful, caring and supportive woman," he wrote.
"We will cherish every memory and support all your friends as you always did for others.
"[I'm] torn apart, but your smile and heartbeat will always be with us."
Hodder's friend Mia Bailey also remembered the young model in a post on social media.
"To know Elise, was to love Elise," Bailey wrote.
"Never have I met someone so hilariously and unapologetically herself.
"Her laugh was infectious, her eyes bewildering, and a heart so full of love."
Hodder's friends and family paid tribute to the 24-year-old on social media. Nine
Mathiasson's father left the Melbourne Magistrates Court this afternoon after he told the court he would supervise him around the clock if he's granted bail, despite not seeing his son since Christmas.
"It's devastating, absolutely devastating and I can't, really, I don't know what to say," Mathiasson's father told 9News outside court.
The Sunbury man is expected to learn if he will be granted bail tomorrow morning.
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