A cherished grandfather killed after being hit by a car that mowed down pedestrians in the Melbourne CBD was a "hero" taken in a senseless act of violence, his family say.
Antonios (Anton) Crocaris, 83, died about 11.30pm on Friday, eight days after becoming one of 18 people hit by a car that drove down the tram tracks in Flinders Street, ploughing through pedestrians at Elizabeth Street.
In a statement Mr Crocaris' devastated family called him: "Our Dad, our hero."
"Our father Anton had his life cruelly taken away in a senseless act of violence," they wrote.
"These circumstances are devastating to our family. Dad is simply irreplaceable and we will never fully recover from this loss.
"He was a beloved husband of Elizabeth, adored father of Freda, Tony and Bill, and cherished grandfather of Verity, Lysander and Jackson."
Mr Crocaris' family said he was a "friend to all and proud citizen of Australia".
"Our deepest gratitude to the wonderful people of Melbourne and dedicated first responders who rendered him and others every assistance. Special mention to the caring staff of The Alfred Intensive Care Unit."
Mr Crocaris is the first fatality from the December 21 attack.
"This is such a shocking, tragic, needless loss of life," Assistant Commissioner Doug Fryer told reporters on Saturday.
Acting opposition leader Tanya Plibersek said she and all Australians were thinking of Mr Crocaris' family.
