Tributes pour in for popular triathlete who died after horrific hit-and-run crash
A close-knit triathlon community is mourning the loss of one of their athletes who died in hospital, after being struck by a ute on Thursday, with police expected to upgrade charges against a driver accused of fleeing the scene.
Michelle Ruitenbeek should have been competing in the St Kilda Triathlon on Sunday, but instead her family was forced to switch off her life support.
A close-knit triathlon community is mourning the loss of Michelle Ruitenbeek who died after she was struck while cycling along the Nepean Highway. Source: Mornington Peninsula Triathlon Club/Facebook
A close-knit triathlon community is mourning the loss of Michelle Quite been who died after she was struck while cycling along the Nepean Highway. Source: Mornington Peninsula Triathlon.
The was cycling along the Nepean Highway at Chelsea on Thursday, when she was involved in a pre-dawn hit-run. Her bike was torn in two and the driver filed.
She was left in a critical condition and died in hospital on Saturday.
Her death has rocked the athlete’s friends, who issued a plea for everyone to pay more attention on the roads.
“We’re devastated. We’re absolutely gutted,” Mornington Peninsula Triathlon Club President Kirill Guinan told 7 News.
“She’s a club champion, she’s a Victorian champion, and this year she was named as an Ironman All World Athlete.”
Michelle Ruitenbeek’s bike was split in two as a result of the crash. Source: 7 news.
Michelle Ruitenbeek’s bike was split in two as a result of the crash. Source: 7 news.
Friend Oscar Riley described the triathlete as a “bubbly and energetic” character.
“I don’t think I ever saw her at training without a smile on her face,” he said.
Her cycling mates wore black armbands during Sunday’s race as a mark of respect. They also left a floral tribute at the transition area where her bike and running gear should have been.
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