Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man following a fatal collision in Berwick on 26 November.
The charges follow an alleged hit-run in Berwick where a man, who has since been identified as father of three Darrin Pierce, was found injured on the side of the Princes Highway about 12.15am.
It is understood two passengers in a ride-share vehicle noticed the 44-year-old injured in a gutter between Neill and Peel Streets as they were being driven past the area, and raised the alarm.
It is believed Mr Pierce suffered life-threatening injuries after being struck by a car and was taken to hospital where he later died.
A 31-year-old Narre Warren man has been charged with failure to stop after a collision, failure to render assistance, and registered owner failure to disclose the identity of driver.
He has been bailed to appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 9 December.
It comes after Mr Pierce’s wife Kati last week issued a plea for the driver responsible to come forward.
“You should have stopped and had a look…this is what humans do,” she told reporters from the family’s Berwick home on Sunday 27 November.
“I just live here not long, not very good English, don’t know anything, and I have a four-year-old son and two kids here with me.”
Mrs Pierce said she and Mr Pierce were returning home from a local pub shortly before the incident occurred, but she had walked ahead and arrived home before him.
Earlier in the day, the ardent Collingwood supporter had been celebrating at a business luncheon with the Dandenong Cricket Club, where he had met and posed for photos alongside Collingwood star Dane Swan.
Following the tragic news, Dandenong Cricket Club took to Facebook to issue a statement about Mr Pierce, who was a long-time sponsor and supporter of the club through his business Berwick Pest Control.
“The Dandenong Cricket Club are saddened by the news of the passing of long-time sponsor and supporter Darrin Pierce from Berwick Pest Control,” the post read.
“An avid Collingwood supporter Darrin was successful in his bid for the Dane Swann Memorabilia and his smile says it all!
“Darrin also enjoyed his Boxing Day Test and enjoying the day with a mate or two by his side,” the post read.
“From all at Dandenong Cricket Club we pass on our deepest sympathy to his wife Kati and three children and will remember Darrin for his wonderful support and friendship. RIP Darrin.”
