Junee residents who remember John Melbourne as a quiet and kind man say they are in shock after his death on Thursday.
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Mr Melbourne died aged 67 after he was trapped under a car in his driveway on Roberts Street.
Jenny Lindley has lived on Roberts Street for 13 years and said Mr Melbourne was a good neighbour who looked out for everyone on the street.
"He was a quiet man who kept to himself but if you needed anything he'd help you. He'd give me a wave when he went to get his paper in the morning," she said.
"He'd be out doing his garden and looking after his dog. He was a very quiet and reserved fellow.
"I just can't get over it."
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Ms Lindley described Mr Melbourne as a gentle, generous man and said his death would be "a huge loss" to the neighbourhood.
Officers from Riverina Police District and other emergency services were called to Mr Melbourne's house about 6.30am on Thursday.
Police said early reports suggest he was standing in the driveway of his home when a Ford Falcon rolled out of the garage and trapped him underneath the wheel before dragging him for a short distance.
The park brake was not believed to be applied to the vehicle.
Mr Melbourne will be remembered as a devoted son who cared for his mother for many years in her house on Roberts Street, which he then lived in alone.
Residents say he took comfort in rituals that included driving to the newsagent early each morning to buy a copy of the newspaper.
He had been a longtime regular at the Junee Ex-Services Memorial Club where he took his mother out for dinner on Friday evenings before she passed away.
His tragic death will affect all who knew him and be felt by other residents in Junee's tight-knit community.
George and Mirta Salabert have lived across the road from Mr Melbourne's house for 23 years and say they knew him and his mother.
The Salaberts have also described him quiet and reserved, but say he was "a very nice man".
"He was taking care of his mother all his life and then when his mother died he kept living there. I called on him from time to time and I saw him everyday coming through," Mr Salabert said.
"It was a terrible morning. I've got the kitchen facing the street and there were police cars everywhere."
Vicki Wright, another neighbour, said Mr Melbourne was known on the street as being a good person who looked after his mum.
Police said Mr Melbourne was unresponsive when they arrived on Thursday morning and died at the scene.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner as investigations surrounding the incident continue.
Catie McLeod
Catie is a reporter at The Daily Advertiser covering health and Wagga City Council. You can contact her on c.mcleod@dailyadvertiser.com.au or 0475 819 651.
Catie is a reporter at The Daily Advertiser covering health and Wagga City Council. You can contact her on c.mcleod@dailyadvertiser.com.au or 0475 819 651.
