Victoria
  1. Home
  2. News
  3. Victoria News

Woman charged following Bendigo hit-and-run

A 19-year-old North Bendigo woman has been charged after her mother's best friend was found dead on the side of a highway in central Victoria.

Police believe Tracey Kemp, 45, from Kennington, may have been on the phone to her boyfriend when she was struck by a car about 1am Sunday.

Up Next

Replay

Replay Video Icon
Player help icon

More News Videos

More videos

Woman charged after Bendigo hit-and-run

Walking home from a 21st birthday party, Tracey Kemp died after allegedly being hit by a car driven by her best friend's daughter. Vision courtesy Seven News Melbourne.

Social media tributes from family and friends of Ms Kemp have remembered her as "a beautiful soul".

Kennington woman Tracey Kemp was found dead on the side of a major highway on Sunday morning.
Kennington woman Tracey Kemp was found dead on the side of a major highway on Sunday morning. Photo: Facebook

Major collision unit Detective Senior Sergeant Brad McArthur said Ms Kemp was walking home along the Midland Highway after attending a 21st birthday party at The Huntly Pub.

"She remained on the side of the road, we think, for a couple of hours before a passing motorist has actually seen her handbag ... and found this unfortunate woman lying beside the road," he said.

Advertisement

The good Samaritan asked nearby residents for help and performed CPR.

"We didn't know if she was alive or dead at the time, he was doing CPR on her until police arrived," neighbour Cass Adams told Seven News.

Investigators on scene along the Midland Highway, Huntly. The white car is not believed to be involved in the investigation.
Investigators on scene along the Midland Highway, Huntly. The white car is not believed to be involved in the investigation.  Photo: Darren Howe

Detective Senior Sergeant McArthur said the victim sent a text message to her boyfriend when she left the party, and then called him while walking home.

Ms Kemp's boyfriend has told police the call was abruptly terminated.

A secondary crime scene was established in Howard Street, Epsom, about six kilometres away, where a car was found pressed up against a tree.

Police said there was no major damage to the front of the vehicle.

Ambulance Victoria spokesman John Mullen said the woman was dead when paramedics arrived on the scene about 3am.

Emergency crews were unable to revive her.

The 19-year-old North Bendigo woman was charged with dangerous driving causing death and other traffic-related offences.

She is reported to be the daughter of Tracey Kemp's best friend and has been bailed to appear at the Bendigo Magistrates' Court on Friday.

Anyone with further information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.