Man and guide dog killed while walking at Wedderburn
Ray Meadows and his guide dog Gerry. Picture: SUPPLIED
Update, 3.30pm: Everyone in Wedderburn knew Ray Meadows.
The 63-year-old has been remembered as a lovely man as the community comes to grips with his death.
Mr Meadows and his guide dog, Gerry, were hit by an oncoming car on the Calder Highway this morning.
For years, people saw Mr Meadows walking around town with his fluorescent vest and cane.
Gerry had been by his side for the past couple of months.
Campaspe Highway Patrol Sergeant Paul Nicoll said the pedestrian had just left home to walk to the gym - a daily passage for Mr Meadows and Gerry - when the crash happened.
The sergeant said the driver of the vehicle didn't see the pair.
Sergeant Nicoll said it was dark when the crash occurred and there was no moonlight or streetlight.
He said paramedics worked on the injured man for about two hours, but he died before he could be taken to hospital.
Mr Meadows is survived by his wife, Val.
"The road toll is terrible," Sergeant Nicoll said.
He implored motorists to pay attention and to be alert to what was in front of them.
"People need to be really cautious," the sergeant said.
He said it was going to be a very difficult time for a number of people in the Wedderburn area.
Update, 1.30pm: Wedderburn has been rocked by the death of a 63-year-old man and his guide dog.
The man and his dog were hit by a car while walking with his guide dog in Wedderburn this morning.
The scene of the fatal crash in Wedderburn. Picture: NONI HYETT
"He walked into town every day," Wedderburn Fish Shop's Jenny Round said of the deceased.
"He only had his guide dog for a short time.
"It's a bit of a shock."
Campaspe Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.
Update, 10.02am: A 63-year-old man hit by a car while walking with his guide dog in Wedderburn this morning has died.
The fatality brings the state's road toll to 139. Fifty-one more people have lost their lives on the state's roads than last year.
Police said the driver of the vehicle, a Toyota Corolla, was taken to hospital with shock. He was aged in his 20s.
The Calder Highway at Wedderburn. Picture: NONI HYETT
EARLIER: EMERGENCY services are responding to a serious crash at Wedderburn.
A man and his dog were hit by a vehicle while walking along the Calder Highway about 6.40am.
The dog died at the scene.
An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said the man sustained multiple injuries. He was in a critical condition when paramedics arrived.
Investigators were told the man and his dog were walking north west along the highway when they were hit by an oncoming vehicle.
Police said the driver of the vehicle, who was uninjured, stopped and rendered assistance.
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