A tight-knit Victorian community is in mourning after a beloved kindergarten worker tragically died while saving the lives of her young students. Eleanor Bryant, 43, has been remembered as a selfless educator who always put others first.
The shocking incident occurred on Monday at the Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool in Riddells Creek, about an hour north-west of Melbourne. Authorities believe the 68-year-old driver of a water tanker truck suffered a medical episode, causing the massive vehicle to veer off the road and plow into the school’s playground.
In a heroic act of bravery, Bryant reportedly pushed several children out of the truck’s deadly path before being struck herself. Despite the efforts of first responders, the beloved speech pathologist could not be saved.
“A Light That Lit Up Every Room”
As news of the tragedy spread, heartbroken friends and colleagues shared moving tributes to the woman described as “a light that lit up every room.” On Channel Nine’s Today Show, presenter Alex Cullen fought back tears as he spoke of his lifelong friend.
“There are people in this world who you can’t quite believe are so kind, so generous, so wonderful and caring,” an emotional Cullen said. “Eleanor Bryant, or EJ, as she was to us, was one of those people.”
Alex Cullen, Nine’s Today Show presenter
He went on to say that while the community was devastated, no one was surprised to learn Bryant had sacrificed her own life to save the children in her care. “She always, always put others first and was a great example to all of us,” Cullen said.
Dedicated Educator and Devoted Mother
An accomplished speech pathologist originally from Coonamble, NSW, Bryant leaves behind a husband and two young children – an 11-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter. Those who knew her best say she had a special way with kids and a true passion for early childhood education.
The Riddells Creek Basketball Club, where Bryant volunteered as an equipment and uniform coordinator, paid tribute to “the most kind, thoughtful and funny friend” who gave generously to her community.
“Eleanor was committed to supporting the RCR kids to get onto the court,” the club wrote on Facebook. “Most importantly, Eleanor was an amazing mum and wife.”
Riddells Creek Basketball Club
Investigation Into Tragedy Continues
As the community rallies around Bryant’s devastated family, crash investigators are working to piece together how the fatal incident unfolded. Early evidence suggests the truck lost control on a bridge approximately 120 meters from the kindergarten before careening into the playground.
“It’s a tragic set of circumstances which actually could have been a lot worse,” said Victoria Police Detective Senior Sergeant Christian Von Tunk. “This is one of those close calls and I don’t know how only one person has died.”
In addition to Bryant, a 3-year-old boy was injured in the crash and transported to the Royal Children’s Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The truck driver was also hospitalized and is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
Second School Tragedy in Two Weeks
The heartbreaking incident comes less than a fortnight after another deadly crash at a Victorian school. On March 25, 11-year-old Jack Davey was killed and four other students injured when an SUV smashed through the fence at Auburn South Primary School in Melbourne’s east.
As the Riddells Creek community grapples with its own devastating loss, local leaders have vowed to provide support to all those affected by the tragedy. Macedon Ranges Shire Council CEO Bernie O’Sullivan expressed his deepest condolences and pledged “to support those affected and our broader communities – particularly those in Riddells Creek – however we practically can.”
For now, the tight-knit town is focused on remembering an extraordinary educator, colleague, friend, wife and mother whose legacy of kindness, generosity and unshakable dedication to children will live on. As one mourner poignantly noted, “Heaven has gained an angel, but the world has lost a true treasure in Eleanor Bryant.”
