The tight-knit township of Bannockburn has been rocked by the “terribly sad” death of a well-known resident on an isolated stretch of road.
James Hendra, 50, was killed in a tragic accident on Clyde Hill Rd on Saturday, north of the town’s centre.
Mr Hendra, affectionately known as “Jimmy”, died at the scene after his car crashed into a tree.
He was the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle.
Jimmy Hendra was killed in a car accident on Saturday near Bannockburn. Photo: Supplied.
One local resident, who did not want to be named, said the Hendra family settled in the Russells Bridge region in the mid-1850s and were “great salt of the earth people.”
“It has definitely knocked everyone around a fair bit,” he said.
“He was a good person from a good family.
“All our hearts go out to them, they’ve been around for a long time so it’s a real shock.”
Former mayor and current Golden Plains Shire councillor Owen Sharkey said the community was still coming to grips with the loss.
“I think when something like this happens, word spreads very quickly,” he said.
“It’s a very tight-knit town.
“This is terribly sad, a real tragedy”
Mr Sharkey said the accident would leave “a big hole”.
“These situations are always hard and the town is on a knife’s edge for a while,” he said.
“My heart goes out to the family and friends during this tragic time.”
A Victoria Police spokesman said it appeared the vehicle had veered off the remote, rural road before hitting the tree.
The man was found by paramedics inside the vehicle about 7.05am on June 17.
Footage of the incident showed the driver’s side of a white ute badly damaged as it rested in a paddock.
“The exact circumstances surrounding the crash are yet to be determined and investigations remain ongoing,” the police spokeswoman said.
Anyone with information that could assist police with their inquiries is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au.
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