Yahoo Lifestyle Tributes flow for 'hilarious' Sydney lawyer killed in alleged hit-and-run
Mitch East, 28, was the victim of an alleged hit-and-run on Sunday morning.
There has been an outpouring of grief from loved ones after the man killed in a suspected hit-and-run over the weekend was identified as Mitch East, a Sydney-based lawyer.
Multiple friends have shared touching tributes online after the 28-year-old was fatally struck by a car while stepping out of an Uber in the early hours of Sunday morning metres away from his home in Tamarama in the city's eastern suburbs. The car that struck East did not stop and police are still searching for answers while his loved ones try to come to terms with the sudden loss.
"I still can’t believe this is happening. Words cannot describe how we are feeling. My brother, gone far too soon," friend Devon Running wrote online. "Can’t wait to see you out the back again one day... Rest easy Mitch."
A GoFundMe page was created on Monday and has already raised over $80,000 at the time of publication which friends hope will help "relieve some of the financial pressure and stress" from his partner and family as they navigate the days ahead.
Dash cam footage of Aussie dog walker 'nearly run over' by motorist sparks debate
Eerie dashcam captures Aussie driver's 'insane' late-night road encounter
Lawyer remembered as 'highly talented' and 'hilarious'
Another friend Kane Dunkley commemorated East by saying he will forever be remembered for his "hilarious yet kind nature" who had the ability to befriend anyone he met.
"Mitch's time was far from up and he had so much life left and love to give," he said. Another friend Angus Macdonald shared an image of the two together with the words, "Fly high my man".
East was originally from New Zealand but studied at Harvard in the US before moving to Australia to pursue his career, where he was employed by law firm Arnold Bloch Leibler. Colleagues reportedly received an email informing them of his death on Monday morning where he was called "highly talented" and a "valued member" by the firm partners.
The police have not yet identified the driver who struck East and is appealing to the public who may have any relevant information, dashcam or CCTV footage.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a report online.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
