While on her usual 7am route to work at Ballarat Police station in Victoria last Thursday, Sophie Thomson pulled over to support colleagues at a crime scene in Delacombe on La Trobe Street.
Remembering an ordinary start to the day, Senior Constable Thomson’s world was changed forever when colleagues quickly led her from the scene and informed her the cyclist who had been fatally hit was her father, David Thomson.
“My world instantly broke,” she said, according to a report by Nine News.
Cycling to his place of work at Eureka Concrete, Mr Thomson, 60, was riding along La Trobe Street at 5:41am on Thursday, October 21, when a car hit him head-on as he approached an intersection.
Describing the scene, investigating detective Senior Constable Sandro Lombardi said the driver of the vehicle instantly fled the scene, with no attempt to pause after the collision.
He highlighted that “there was no braking”.
Reviewing footage of the crash and interviewing a number of witnesses at the scene, Lombardi and police will tirelessly work to bring about justice.
“The natural response is to stop and render assistance, but unfortunately on this occasion, the driver has fled,” he said.
“It’s really a tragic set of circumstances.”
Releasing footage of the “silver-coloured, sporty-like vehicle” involved in the collision, police wish to show details to the public for recognition, particularly damage the car now has to its windscreen and bonnet due to the crash.
Anyone who has any information about the incident or the car in question, no matter how small, is encouraged to immediately contact Crime Stoppers.
Senior Constable Lombardi has asked the public to think about justice for the victim and the family.
Powerfully, Senior Constable Thomson also implores members of the public to share information they think is relevant and most importantly, for the driver to turn themselves in.
“My police family won’t stop looking for you,” she said.
“We just need some answers please.”
Mr Thompson was a loving father, a grandfather of two and a proud Ballarat cricketer for decades. His senior constable daughter shared how her father had started cycling as a way to increase his fitness.
“David was my father, my hero and my absolute rock.”
Anyone who witnessed the collision or has information about it or the car should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
