John Bato Obituary, Death; – A man from Melbourne, who was tragically struck and killed by a driver reportedly asleep at the wheel, is being remembered as a “compassionate” and devoted brother.
John Bato, aged 63, was on his regular morning walk on Saturday when a vehicle veered onto the footpath and collided with him on Dalton Rd, Epping, around 10 a.m. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Floral tributes have begun to accumulate at the site of the accident, as his family grapples with the profound loss. Bill Bato characterized his brother as “loving” and “always compassionate.”
“It is heartbreaking that he left us in this manner; it is incomprehensible, and I am still trying to process it,” he stated. “We are in shock. “Those few moments have irrevocably altered our lives.”
Authorities have alleged that the driver was asleep at an intersection just prior to the incident, which caused his vehicle to mount the curb, crash through a pedestrian crossing barrier, and strike John. The vehicle continued along the footpath before colliding with a pole and a building.
The 27-year-old driver sustained serious injuries and was transported to the hospital under police supervision. He is currently in stable condition as detectives await his medical clearance for a formal interview.
