Tragic hit-and-run death in Geelong

A mother has died in a hospital 11 days after being involved in an alleged hit-and-run incident in Corio, a suburb of Geelong. Tania Coad, 43, was struck by a vehicle at an intersection on the morning of August 11. Following the collision, police allege that the 18-year-old driver fled the scene before emergency services arrived. Ms. Coad was transported to the hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries on August 22. In light of Ms. Coad's death, authorities have upgraded the charges against the teen driver from dangerous driving causing serious injury to dangerous driving causing death. The driver is scheduled to appear in Geelong Magistrates' Court on December 3. This development has intensified the focus on the circumstances surrounding the incident and the actions of the driver. Ms. Coad's family expressed their profound grief in a statement released on Friday, describing her as a person with a generous spirit who was deeply loved by her family. They highlighted her roles as a mother, daughter, sister, and aunt, and requested privacy as the police investigation unfolds. The family also extended their gratitude to the emergency services personnel who attempted to save Ms. Coad's life. In a poignant note, they shared that Ms. Coad's final act of kindness was to donate her organs, allowing others to continue living. The family thanked the compassionate ICU staff at the Royal Melbourne Hospital for their care during her final days.