Man’s body discovered in burnt out car in Frankston South

Man’s body discovered in burnt out car in Frankston South

THE family of an elderly man who tragically died in a car fire while suffering a suspected heart attack have paid tribute to the “fiercely loyal father”.

Forensic officers confirmed the identity of the deceased as 83-year-old Frankston South resident Raymond D’Alton.

Friends and relatives grieved at his Golf Links Rd property, which has been owned by his family for more than 80 years.

“This was home for all of us in the family. This is where all our memories of growing up are,” Mr D’Alton’s daughter, Michelle, said.

“He was a stubborn old man but he was a loving man and a fiercely loyal father.”

Mr D’Alton is survived by three children, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

It’s believed the classic car collector was working on his prized Maserati when he suffered a heart attack.

The death came as a shock to the family when police told them what had happened.

“He was totally happy and healthy, we didn’t see this coming” Michelle said.

“He had so much planned for the next couple of weeks, getting everything ready for another one of his cars.”

Sitting in the front seat of the vehicle, Mr D’Alton’s foot became stuck on the accelerator, causing sparks to emerge from the still-in-work engine which started the fatal fire.

Emergency services rushed to put out the fire about 7pm on Wednesday but were unable to save him.

“At least he died doing what he loved, working on his cars,” son Mark said. “If he was going to go, I reckon he would’ve wanted to have gone in one of his cars.”

Mr D’Alton was born in Halls Gap but moved to ­Frankston for a better education. Just two weeks ago, he travelled back to Morwell, just 30km east of where he was born, to see how things had changed through the years.

“He loved going back and seeing different places where he went as a kid,” Mark said.

“I guess it would have been one of his last memories.”

Mr D’Alton lived alone with two dogs and was a well-known member of the ­community in Frankston.

“He collected a number of classic cars and was regularly involved with car sales and meets,” Mark said.

His funeral is expected next week.