Melbourne family shattered by loss of 16-year-old son, calls for better pedestrian protection

Image: Chris Rua Antony died in hospital on February 20, a week after he was struck by a car (Source: 7News screenshots)

A Melbourne family is mourning the devastating loss of their 16-year-old son after he succumbed to injuries sustained in a horrific crash in the city’s south-east.

Chris Rua Antony died in hospital on February 20, a week after he was struck by a car while walking home from school along Pound Road in Narre Warren South.

Emergency services were called to the scene about 4.30pm on February 13 following reports a vehicle had hit a pedestrian.

Specialist air ambulance crews and mobile intensive care paramedics rushed to the scene before transporting the critically injured teenager to hospital.

Image: Chris Rua Antony’s family (Source: 7News screenshot)

In a tragic twist, Chris’s parents reportedly arrived at the crash site moments after the collision, where bystanders were performing CPR in a desperate bid to save him.

Police said a Toyota C-HR station wagon, driven by a 48-year-old Narre Warren South woman, left the roadway, hit the teenager and then crashed into a tree. The driver sustained minor injuries.

After seven days in intensive care, Chris lost his fight for life. His family said in a statement:

“With profound sorrow and deep faith in the promise of eternal life, we announce the passing of our beloved son, who was called to the Lord on Friday, February 20, 2026, after bravely fighting seven days in hospital following the tragic accident.”

The family thanked the community for its prayers, love and support during what they described as an unimaginably difficult time.

The news has prompted an outpouring of grief across the Narre Warren South community, with many describing Chris as a kind and gentle young man taken far too soon.

Chris’ heartbroken family has also called for stronger measures to better protect pedestrians, hoping no other family will endure similar heartbreak.

Victoria Police said the exact circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation. No charges have been laid. Anyone with information or dashcam footage has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

Support our Journalism

No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.