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Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives have now charged that man with dangerous driving causing death.
A Victoria Police spokeswoman said that driver had since been remanded in custody to appear at Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on April 28, 2020.
The spokeswoman said the death had been added to the bushfire toll as Mr Kavanagh was on duty while working on the East Gippsland bushfire response – making him the third victim of the state’s fires.
Before he died, Mr Kavanagh had put out seven campfires.
Last week, Emergency Services Minister Lisa Neville described the father and husband as a dedicated and respected member of Forest Fires Management Victoria, where he had worked for 10 years.
“Our thoughts are with Mat’s colleagues and family, including his wife and children – Jude, his wife, and Ruben and Kate, his children,” she said.
“He’s been remembered for his friendly and welcoming nature, his passion for the environment and nature, and his love of fly-fishing.”
Mr Kavanagh was originally from Melbourne, but had moved to Alexandra where he worked in the natural environment programs area.