Rimantas Karvelis dies after hit and run in Gravesend
Published: 00:01, 06 November 2015
Updated: 18:06, 06 November 2015
A father who travelled from Lithuania to be with his son in hospital has died following a hit and run.
Rimantas Karvelis suffered serious injuries after he was knocked down by a car almost two weeks ago in Gravesend.
The 56-year-old had come to Kent on a one-month holiday from Lithuania to visit his son, who is currently in hospital suffering from Guillian Barre Syndrome.
Mr Karvelis' other son, Audrius, who has travelled back from America, said: "I can't believe he’s gone, my magnificent dad, who came here to visit my brother and encourage him to fight Guillian Barre Syndrome at Darenth Valley Hospital.
"Our life has changed irrevocably; we are shocked and deeply saddened.
"We know there are many difficult days ahead without him. He was an amazing person, a real example to others.
"We still can't understand how this happened, why the driver did not stop. It is such a big loss for our family and community."
Officers are renewing their appeal for witnesses to the crash that happened at 6.41pm on Saturday 24 October in London Road, Gravesend.
A black Vauxhall Astra failed to stop and was later found abandoned in Grange Road.
Three people were arrested in connection with the incident and later released on bail pending further investigation.
Detective Sergeant Scott Lynch from the serious collision investigation unit said: "It was a wet rainy Saturday evening.
"I would like to speak to any witnesses who saw the pedestrian crossing London Road, the collision or the manner in which the Vauxhall Astra involved was being driven."
Anyone with information should contact the witness appeal line on 01622 798538 quoting reference 24-1146.
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