The family of a cherished grandfather who died after being hit by a car that mowed down pedestrians in the Melbourne CBD say he was taken "in a senseless act of violence."
Antonios (Anton) Crocaris (83) died about 11.30pm on Friday (local time), eight days after becoming one of 18 pedestrians hit by a car that drove down Flinders St tram tracks, ploughing through pedestrians at Elizabeth St.
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 (dec), 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.
Twenty people, including accused driver Saeed Noori and an off duty police officer who arrested him, were hospitalised after the rampage.
Six people are still in hospital.
Noori (32) an Afghan refugee and Australian citizen with known mental health and drug problems, has been charged with 18 counts of attempted murder.
Homicide Squad detectives are expected to upgrade one of those charges to murder.
The Victorian government announced the shutdown of several city streets ahead of New Year's Eve festivities, but it has been confirmed that it's not possible to install extra concrete bollards on the Flinders and Elizabeth St intersection.
