By NOEL MURPHY
THE CALLOUS hit-run death of Corio cyclist Gordon Ibbs near Anakie has shocked Geelong.
Police are desperately chasing a suspect whose car they say was found burned out at Winchelsea this week.
A maroon VT Commodore struck Gordon Ibbs, 77, on Mother’s Day while he was returning home from a Sunday afternoon ride.
Witnesses told police the car drove straight into him.
Mr Ibbs’ family issued a statement describing him as “a beautiful, kind, caring man”.
“He did not deserve this. We have heard that witnesses stopped at the time of the accident and we wish to extend our deepest thanks to them for being with Gordon – it really means a lot to us to know he wasn’t alone.”
Daughter Charlene Christensen told television’s A Current Affair that Mr Ibbs was her sick mother’s sole carer.
Her mother now faced the prospect of entering a nursing home, Ms Christensen said.
Mr Ibbs’ death after almost 45 years’ marriage had left his wife “devastated”.
Ms Christensen said the offending driver hit and killed not only a beautiful man but “shattered the lives of my family”.
Geelong Cycling Club will support a 10km memorial ride for Mr Ibbs in the city on 24 May.
Police urged anyone with information about the incident to contact CrimeStoppers.
