Family of Eleanor Bryant breaks silence after truck crashed through kindergarten

Eleanor Bryant ‘sacrificed her life’ by pushing children out of the way after a truck crashed through a kindergarten in Melbourne.

The family of the hero teacher who “sacrificed her life” by pushing children out of the way when a truck crashed through the fence have broken their silence.

Kindergarten teacher Eleanor Bryant, 43, died after a water tanker that was driving along Main Road in Riddells Creek crashed near the Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool about 2.20pm on Monday.

Ms Bryant died after pushing children out of the way.

A three-year-old boy was taken to the Royal Childrens Hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Ms Bryant’s family released a statement on Tuesday, saying they are “devastated by the loss of our beautiful Eleanor”.

“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 read.

Eleanor Bryant died after a truck crashed into the fence of Montessori Macedon Ranges Pre-School in Riddells Creek. Picture: Supplied.

Ms Bryant pushed children out of the way before she was killed. Picture: Supplied.

“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.”

The family also thanked 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,” the statement read.

Presenter breaks down

Today presenter Alex Cullen earlier paid tribute to Ms Bryant.

Cullen, who grew up with Ms Bryant, spoke on the program on Tuesday about the “amazing woman” as he remembered her as someone that “lit up every room” she was in.

“There are people in this world who you can’t quite believe are so kind, so generous, so wonderful and caring. Eleanor Bryant … was one of those people,” Cullen said.

“Eleanor was a light that lit up every room, never had a bad word to say about anyone, and accomplished speech pathologist.”

Today host Alex Cullen grew up with Ms Bryant. Picture: Today.

Ms Bryant was the eldest of four children and “would just do anything for anyone”.

“That person who had that knack of giving you that sense that everything will be okay,” Cullen said.

“It does not surprise me one bit that Eleanor pushed those school kids out of the way yesterday to ultimately save their lives.

“She always, always put others first.

“We will miss you, Eleanor, and thank you for everything you gave us.”

Cullen said he’d only just been speaking with Ms Bryant during the Olympics and couldn’t believe the news of her death.

“It’s just so tragic. Life can just be taken in an instant and I’m thinking of everyone today, all those wonderful people at that school and her wonderful family,” Cullen said.

“She was the same age when she lost her mum as her children are now.

“It’s just brutally sad. But she was she’ll be remembered as just one of the greatest people that ever lived.”

The water tanker crashed through the fence. Picture: Nine News

A three-year-old boy was taken to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Picture: NewsWire / Nadir Kinani

Member for Menzies Keith Wolahan issued a tribute to Ms Bryant in a Facebook post, branding her a “hero”.

“Eleanor Bryant is a hero who sacrificed her life to save children in her care. I hope her family finds comfort in her courage. May she rest in peace,” Mr Wolahan wrote.

Detective Senior Sergeant Christian Von Tuk said it was a “tragic” incident that “could have been a lot worse” as a number of children and staff were in and near the playground area.

“This is one of those close calls that I don’t know how only one person has died today,” Sergeant Von Tuk said.

“It’s unbelievable.”

The 68-year-old truck driver from Broadford was taken to hospital for observation.

Owner of the truck company McKenzie Water, Alan McKenzie, said the driver may have suffered a medical episode.

“We are in shock and offer our heartfelt condolences to everyone involved,” Mr McKenzie said in a statement.

“As a small, family-owned business, we are devastated following the tragic crash … this is an incredibly distressing time, and our deepest sympathies go to those involved and their families and friends.

Detective Senior Sergeant Christian Von Tuk called it a ‘tragic’ incident. Picture: NewsWire / Nadir Kinani

“Sadly, one person has lost their life, and a child has been injured.

“Our experienced 68-year-old driver is understood to have suffered a medical episode and remains in hospital.”

Mr McKenzie also thanked the staff and emergency services who responded.

“We are doing what we can to support him and his family,” he said.

“We are assisting authorities with their investigations.

“McKenzie Water has been operating in Melbourne and Victoria for 40 years, and our priority has always been safety and compliance.”

Originally published as Family of Eleanor Bryant breaks silence after truck crashed through kindergarten