Suspect over fatal hit-run of nurse will 'hand himself into police'

A friend of the man who allegedly killed a nurse in a hit-and-run crash says he is remorseful and plans to hand himself into police.

Authorities spent part of the day yesterday knocking on doors of the family and friends of wanted man Sebastian Kennett trying to locate him.

It is alleged Mr Kennett fled the scene after slamming into Lydia Hansen’s Toyota Yaris at an intersection on Warrigal Road in Oakleigh this week.

Despite the efforts of several witnesses, the beloved nurse was pronounced dead at the scene.

"He's not the criminal he's being made out to be,” Mr Kennett’s friend Jasime Boulter told Fairfax Media.

“He's trying to cope with what's happened... he's real remorseful for his actions and will be handing himself in.

"He's a good kid, he honestly had no idea how bad it (the crash) was.”

The 20-year-old's Facebook profile reveals he has an interest in car video games, including Grand Theft Auto.

Detective Acting Inspector Brad McArthur said police were confident they will find Mr Kennett.

“I’d be surprised if he wasn’t injured … it was enough to kill Ms Hansen,” Det. Act. Insp. McArthur said during a press conference yesterday.

“Airbags obviously saved (Mr Kennett)….but it’s not believed he’s sought medical attention so far.”

Around 9.45pm on Monday, the driver of the Lexus was captured on dashcam running a red light on Dandenong Road.

Meanwhile, Ms Hansen's family paid tribute to the “compassionate cardiac nurse”, who was recently appointed a new position at Cabrini Hospital.

“Lynda was dedicated to her spiritual life, enjoyed Yoga and sang in a gospel choir,” the statement read.

“She enjoyed overseas travel and loved to help people, especially her elderly mother.

“Lynda leaves behind many shocked and devastated friends and family members.”

The 53-year-old’s family also thanked the people who tried to help her, along with Victoria Police.

Det. Act. Insp. McArthur earlier described the hit-run as “absolutely despicable”.

“These collisions bring out the best and the worst of people.

“We’ve had valiant attempts to save the life of the poor woman … then we’ve got the worst, when someone flees the scene of a crash.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.