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Eleanor Bryant died heroically after pushing children out of the way of the oncoming water tanker as it crashed into the Macedon Ranges Montessori Pre-School in Riddells Creek.
Adored for her work as a speech pathologist, Bryant was remembered by mum Becky Burton for changing her daughter Milla’s life.
“I’ve never met someone that was so engaging, so down to earth, so caring and would do whatever it took [to make sure Milla was happy],” Burton said.
“[She was] the most beautiful mum and person just taken so tragically.”
Bryant’s husband and two young kids today expressed their grief in a statement, saying they were “devastated by the loss”.
Her family described the 43-year-old as a “beautiful” person.
“She was the light of our lives: a cherished mother, wife, daughter and sister, and beloved by all her family and enormous network of friends,” the statement said.
“Her infectious smile, sense of humour and passion for life made her a joy to be around.
“There is an enormous hole in our hearts today.
“We thank the emergency services for their tireless work and the public for their beautiful tributes.
“We will miss her like crazy. We thank you for respecting our privacy at this difficult time.”
Bryant, who worked as a speech pathologist at the centre, died at the scene.
A three-year-old boy was injured and taken to the Royal Children’s Hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries to his arm.
He remains in hospital in a stable condition this evening.
The driver of the truck, a Broadford man, was also taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a stable condition.
The McKenzie Water truck crashed into the playground of Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool on Main Road in Riddells Creek about 2.20pm yesterday, when children and teachers were finishing a play break.
McKenzie Water owner Alan McKenzie said the “experienced 68-year-old driver is understood to have suffered a medical episode”.
It is believed the water tanker hit a power pole before it slammed into the playground.
Detective Senior Sergeant Christian Von Tunk told reporters last night it appeared the truck had also hit a bridge and multiple road signs before veering off the road into the playground “where a number of children and teachers were situated”.
He described the scene as a ”tragic set of circumstances” which could have been “a lot worse” with a group of children in close proximity of the crash.
Play time had just finished at the centre, he added.
“There will be some kids getting squeezed very tightly,” Von Tunk said.
Police are yet to interview the truck driver.
Close-knit community remembers ‘hero’ worker
Parents and family members today visited the kindergarten, laying flowers and cards as a tribute to the beloved worker.
“I wanted to leave flowers to show the community that we are all here and we are all together and thinking of them. We got through the bushfires together and we will get through this,” Yasmine said.
“We are a little community, we all know each other, it’s heartbreaking.
“(Eleanor) will forever be remembered as a hero.”
Family friend Walter Lucas fought back tears when remembering the 43-year-old.
“She saved that kid’s life,” he told reporters.
“That kid is now going to go off and live their whole life.
“For her to take her life for that kid, she is more than a hero.
Clinton Zammit, whose children went to the kindergarten, described the situation as “really sad”.
“I feel sorry for the woman who lost her life, her kids waking up today and having no mother. An unsung hero to push away kids and not care about anything else but the kids.
“It hits home when my kids used to come here and there are other families involved.
“We are a close-knit community, we are small but have big hearts and this will affect the community for a while.”
The pre-school is expected to remain closed for the coming weeks as students, staff and parents come to terms with this tragedy.
Ongoing counselling has been offered on-site.
“We’re hurting, really, really hurting,” Cullen said.
“There are people in this world who you can’t quite believe are so kind, so generous, so wonderful and caring and Eleanor Bryant, or EJ, as she was to us, was one of those people.
“Eleanor was a light that lit up every room, never had a bad word to say about anyone and an accomplished speech pathologist.”
Macedon Ranges police members have also expressed their “heartfelt sympathy” following the incident, in a statement posted to Facebook.
“Victoria Police extend their heartfelt sympathy to the family members and the broader community shaken by the tragic incident at Montessori Pre-school in Riddells Creek,” the statement said.
In response, the Riddells Creek Police Station will open its doors tomorrow from 9am to 4pm for anyone seeking to speak to police or to “simply share a conversation and a cup of tea or coffee”.
A light morning tea will be available from 9am to 11am.
The Riddells Creek Junior Football & Netball Club also shared posted a heartfelt online tribute.
“It is with great sadness that our club mourns today the tragic loss of one our members Eleanor Bryant,” the statement said.
“Eleanor was a mum, a friend and shining light in our world who will be forever missed by our little community. A true hero who was taken far too soon. As a club we band together and pay our respects to you Eleanor, may you rest in peace.”
