A tragic accident claimed the life of 24-year-old Australian model Elise Hodder, who was fatally struck by a vehicle while leaving a gathering in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Hodder had been attending a party with friends at Sir Zelman Cowen Park in Kooyong, Melbourne when the devastating incident occurred at approximately 1:10 a.m.
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Police officers were already on the scene, responding to multiple noise complaints about the event. The heartbreaking incident unfolded as the vehicle, driven by a 23-year-old man, allegedly ran over Hodder as she and her group were leaving the location.
Suspect Connor Mathiasson Faces Serious Charges Following Fatal Crash
Connor Mathiasson, 23, from Sunbury, is facing serious charges after allegedly reversing his vehicle into a group of pedestrians at a Melbourne car park, leading to the tragic death of 24-year-old model Elise Hodder.
Read: What Happened To Elise Hodder?
The incident took place in the early hours of Sunday morning as Mathiasson reportedly attempted to leave the park. Ms. Hodder became trapped beneath the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene. Another woman, aged 26, sustained severe injuries and underwent surgery to reconstruct her ankles, while a third pedestrian escaped without injury.
Mathiasson has been charged with several offenses, including culpable driving causing death, dangerous driving causing death, and negligently causing serious injury. He was also found to be driving without a valid license, which had expired in July, and his preliminary breath test showed a blood alcohol level of 0.178, more than three times the legal limit.
Connor is also alleged to have had cannabis in his system when he reversed his vehicle into a group of pedestrians, tragically killing 24-year-old model Elise Hodder.
Community Mourns: Tributes Pour in for Elise Hodder
Ms. Hodder’s heartbroken parents, Pauline and Michael, described their daughter as a “beautiful soul with a radiance that touched everybody,” as reported by the ABC. They expressed pride in her recent achievement of being featured in the August edition of New York’s Vanguard Magazine.
In a poignant tribute, Ms. Hodder’s aunt, Cath Jean, visited the crash site on Monday to lay flowers at a makeshift memorial. Speaking to the Herald Sun, she fondly remembered her niece, saying, “She was a beautiful, tall woman with lovely long arms and legs, and she would just wrap herself around you and ask how you are.”
Legal Proceedings: Mathiasson’s Bail Hearing Set for Tomorrow
Mathiasson has been charged with multiple offenses, including culpable driving causing death, and driving under the influence of al*cohol and d*rugs.
Ms. Hodder’s agency, FiveTwenty Model Management, expressed deep sorrow over her passing, describing her as “a delight to work with.” In a heartfelt statement, they shared, “She was very curious about the industry and gave it her all, always showing up with a bubbly, bright attitude. It is with deep sadness that we received this news. Our condolences go out to her family and friends. Her presence and place in our hearts will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, beautiful girl.”
In court, Mathiasson’s father revealed that he was unaware of his son’s alleged cannabis addiction but acknowledged the significant impact his mother’s suicide seven years ago had on his mental health. “They were very close,” he stated. The father admitted he hadn’t seen his son in person since Christmas but offered to supervise him around the clock if bail were granted.
Mathiasson was remanded in custody on Monday, facing serious charges stemming from the tragic incident. The prosecution is anticipated to contest any bail application, citing that he was allegedly operating the vehicle without a valid license and under the influence of substances at the time of the crash. A decision regarding his bail status is expected to be announced on Tuesday morning.
