Heartbreaking Plea: Narre Warren Family Calls for Pedestrian Barriers After Teen Chris Rua Antony’s Tragic Death

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The family of 16-year-old Chris Rua Antony is pleading for urgent safety upgrades along Pound Road in Narre Warren South following his death from injuries sustained in a pedestrian crash on February 13. Chris, a Year 11 student at Mazenod College, was just five minutes from home on a familiar walk when tragedy struck.

msn.com

Melbourne teen dies in hospital a week after being struck by a car

The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. when a Toyota C-HR station wagon, driven by a 48-year-old woman from Narre Warren South, veered off the road, struck Chris on the footpath, and collided with a tree. The vehicle sustained severe front-end damage, and Chris suffered critical head injuries. An air ambulance and paramedics rushed him to hospital, where he fought for seven days in intensive care before passing on February 20.

9news.com.au

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Chris’s father, Antonysamy, expressed profound grief and frustration: “So will they wake up and do something to protect? Matter of a few thousand dollars to install those metal bars.” He emphasized the footpath’s proximity to traffic traveling at 70 km/h, arguing that simple barriers could have prevented the tragedy. “My quarrel isn’t really with the driver, but with understanding why it had to be him,” added his mother, Auxilia, highlighting the family’s focus on systemic safety rather than individual blame.

ingalcivil.com.au

Pedestrian Barrier

The driver suffered minor injuries and has not yet been interviewed by police pending charges. Victoria Police continue their investigation into road conditions, vehicle factors, and driver actions, urging witnesses with dashcam footage to come forward.

Friends visited Chris in ICU to say goodbye. Close friend Leo Soni Palahanickal shared an emotional promise: “I promised him that I’m going to try and name one of my kids Chris as a tribute to my best, best brother, my friend.” Isindu Rajapakshe described the void: “The loss of his friend is a huge gap that nothing else can fill in your heart.” Classmates and the school community remember Chris for his kindness, politeness, and faithful nature. “He never hurt anyone. He was extraordinarily kind,” Antonysamy said. “Those are things that will stay with us for the rest of our lives.”

mazenod.wa.edu.au

Student Insurance

The crash site has become a poignant memorial, with flowers, candles, notes, and tributes accumulating along Pound Road. Locals and road safety advocates support the family’s call for barriers, noting the area’s history of close calls. “No family should endure this,” Antonysamy urged, hoping the loss prompts immediate action from authorities.

abc.net.au

Road Accidents and Incidents – Topic – ABC News

Mazenod College has offered counseling to students, and community vigils are planned. As the family navigates unimaginable sorrow, their plea resonates: invest in basic protections to safeguard other pedestrians on this busy suburban stretch.

Chris’s legacy endures through memories of his gentle spirit and the community’s resolve for change. His parents hope his story prevents future heartbreak—one barrier at a time.

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theaustralian.com.au

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