Ocean Grove crash: Heide Foote, 3, identified as victim

The parents of a three-year-old girl killed in Ocean Grove have spoken of their pain at the sudden loss of a “most beautiful child” who “loved to sing”.

Three-year-old Heidi was identified as the victim of a horror car accident in Ocean Grove on Friday.

The parents of a three-year-old girl killed in Ocean Grove have spoken of their pain at the sudden loss of a “most beautiful child” who “loved to sing”.

Nathan and Liesl Foote, whose daughter, Heidi, died when the driver of an electric car allegedly lost control and hit her on Friday, described her as beacon of light for their family and for all that knew her.

The female driver, 71, was arrested and released pending further inquiries.

Heidi was being remembered as a “bright, beautiful, joy-filled little girl” whose favourite song was “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine”.

The heartbroken parents released a statement on Wednesday and spoke of their “deep gratitude” for the support they had received since the tragedy.

More than $90,000 has been raised in less than 24 hours through an online fundraiser.

“The support of the local community and many from across Australia and abroad has been overwhelming,” they said.

It’s understood the toddler was struck on Presidents Ave after a driver suddenly accelerated leaving a library car park. She was on the footpath.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said an investigation was ongoing.

A shrine of flowers has appeared in the heart of a Bellarine town mourning the loss of a three-year-old child.

“The paramedics and police showed incredible compassion and care,” her parents continued.

Family friend, Kristi Davidson, said the passing had “shaken” the entire community to the core.

“Heidi was a bright, beautiful, joy-filled little girl who brought light and love wherever she went,” Ms Davidson said,

“Her absence leaves an unimaginable void in the lives of all who knew and loved her — especially her parents, Liesl and Nathan and sister, Bonnie.”

The death has devastated the small Bellarine town, with a memorial of flowers popping up the day after the accident.

The family is heavily involved in the Ocean Grove-based Baptist church, The Wave.

Nathan and Liesl said “they know they will be able to go forward” with the love and support of their family, friends, church community “and their faith in their loving God.”

It is the second tragedy involving the church community and a young child.

In 2020, a one-year-old girl was accidentally hit by a car driven by her mother in the driveway of a Connewarre Pl home.

The tot tragically died at the scene despite paramedics’ attempts to revive her.

It comes as an online fundraiser for Heidi had reach almost $91,000 on Wednesday afternoon with a target of $140,000.

“In the midst of their heartbreak, Liesl and Nathan have expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming love and support they’ve already received,” Ms Davidson said.

“From family, friends, their Church, and the wider community – your prayers, meals, flowers, cards, and shared tears have meant the world to them.”

To donate visit gofundme.com/f/standing-with-heidis-family-in-love

Originally published as Ocean Grove crash: Heide Foote, 3, identified as victim