The heartbroken father and friends of a 24-year-old model, Elise Hodder, who tragically lost her life after being struck by a car in Melbourne, have shared emotional tributes in her memory.
Elise had been attending a rave at Sir Zelman Cowen Park in Kooyong and was leaving the event when she and two other pedestrians were hit by a vehicle in the early hours of the morning.
The incident occurred around 1:10 a.m. on Glenferrie Road, following reports of a loud gathering in the area. Police responded to the scene, but sadly, Elise’s injuries proved fatal. Her friends and family remember her as a vibrant and beloved figure whose life was cut tragically short.
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What Happened?
When police arrived at the scene, they learned that a vehicle had struck a group of people in the parking lot. Tragically, Elise Hodder, who had recently appeared in Vanguard Magazine in New York, was fatally injured after being hit by a car reversing at high speed. She died at the scene.
A second victim, a 26-year-old woman, suffered serious lower-body injuries and has undergone surgery to repair both of her ankles. A 25-year-old man was also struck but fortunately escaped without injury.
Reports indicate that a rave was taking place nearby, and another event had been planned at the location but was moved last minute. Authorities are currently investigating whether this contributed to the group’s presence at the scene.
The shattered father and friends of Elise Hodder, the young woman hit and killed by a car in Kooyong on Saturday night, have paid tribute to a beautiful, caring and supportive woman. @MimiRoseBecker #9News pic.twitter.com/F7FaLgyTKM
— 9News Melbourne (@9NewsMelb) October 14, 2024
Who Killed Elise Hodder?
Connor Mathiasson, a 23-year-old from Sunbury, has been identified as the alleged driver involved in the fatal crash. Authorities claim he had cannabis in his system and was over the legal blood alcohol limit at the time of the incident.
Mathiasson now faces multiple charges, including culpable driving causing death, dangerous driving causing death, and negligently causing serious injury. The charges come after the tragic accident that took the life of Elise Hodder and left another woman seriously injured.
Family And Friends Pay Tribute
Friends and family gathered at Sir Zelman Cowen Park today to pay tribute to 24-year-old model Elise Hodder, who tragically lost her life in a fatal crash. Flowers were placed in her memory, and her grieving father shared a heartfelt tribute 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. Torn apart, but your smile and heartbeat will always be with us.”
Hodder’s friend, Mia Bailey, also honored her memory in an emotional social media post. “To know Elise was to love Elise. Never have I met someone so hilariously and unapologetically herself. Her laugh was infectious, her eyes bewildering, and a heart so full of love.”
Meanwhile, Connor Mathiasson’s father appeared outside the Melbourne Magistrates Court, offering to supervise his son around the clock if granted bail. He expressed his devastation, saying, “It’s absolutely devastating, and I don’t know what to say.” Mathiasson is expected to learn if he will be granted bail tomorrow morning.
