A rideshare driver accused of killing a promising young New Zealand lawyer in a hit-and-run in Australia has died before his trial could begin. 

Ex-real estate agent Zisi Kokotatsios was facing several charges for allegedly using his phone while driving and fatally running over Mitch East, 28, in Tamarama, a suburb in Sydney’s east. 

The incident occurred on Fletcher St around 4am on March 17, 2024, when Kokotatsios was on his way to pick up a passenger. 

Despite emergency services’ efforts to revive him, East was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Kokotatsios was arrested and charged several days later following a police investigation. 

The criminal matter experienced months-long delays, with Kokotatsios eventually pleading not guilty to charges of dangerous driving occasioning death and failing to stop and assist after a crash causing death. 

He was expected to go to trial this year, but the case took a turn when it was revealed in the Downing Centre District Court last Friday that the 65-year-old had died, the Daily Mail reported. 

Kokotatsios died on November 16, with a funeral service held at St Athansios Church in Rookwood Cemetery later that month. 

As a result, all criminal charges against him, including two other charges of negligent driving occasioning death and illegally using a mobile phone while driving, were withdrawn and the case dismissed, said the outlet. 

‘I died when he did’ 

Following West’s death in 2024, East’s mother shared that her son - who she described as “a good person with a good heart” - was the very thing that kept her going. 

“He was my only child, my reason for living,” she told Stuff. 

“I died when he did. The pain is unbearable.” 

Mitch East, 28, died in March 2024 after being hit by a car in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. 

East, a University of Otago and Harvard Law School graduate, had recently moved to Sydney and was working at law firm Arnold Bloch Leibler at the time of his death. 

He was remembered as a highly talented and valued team member, with an email informing staff saying his “loss will be deeply felt” throughout the firm, a spokesperson said. 

“The partners expressed heartfelt condolences to Mitch’s parents, his partner and many close friends, both within and outside of [the firm].” 

A GoFundMe page set up for East’s family raised more than A$70,531 ($81,753) less than 24 hours after being set up, eventually reaching A$113,619 ($131,686).