Vicki McKenzie dies in hospital two weeks after Bell Post Hill crash

Vicki McKenzie’s son says the family may never be able to reconcile the dreadful circumstances of the crash that claimed the life of a reserved, selfless woman.

Vicki McKenzie will be remembered as a loving mother and devoted grandmother following her death this week.

The 73-year-old grandmother died in hospital this week from critical injuries sustained in a two-car crash after a couch was left on a Bell Post Hill road.

Vicki McKenzie, 74, was seriously injured in a two-car crash on September 10 and passed away on Tuesday.

Ms McKenzie’s son Brad McKenzie said his family was desperate for answers and may never reconcile the circumstances surrounding his mother’s death.

“We hope someone has a conscience, someone feels guilt, someone knows something and speaks up,” he said.

Ms McKenzie was driving on Creamery Rd on September 10 when her car hit the couch and crashed into another vehicle carrying a young mum and her two children.

Police are still appealing for information or dashcam footage that relates to the crash.

Mr McKenzie told the Geelong Advertiser his mother would be remembered as a “very quiet” woman, who never had any drama in her life.

“She just helped people,” Mr McKenzie said of his mother.

“She was so private and reserved. She’d hate all the fuss about her now.

“But we felt like we needed to share her story, and share her life.”

Mr McKenzie said his most treasured memories of his mother were of her spending time with family.

“My favourite memories are of just her being a mum,” Mr McKenzie said.

“And the way she loved her grandkids.

“She would do anything for them.”

Ms McKenzie lived in the Geelong region throughout her life with her late husband Gavin.

She is survived by Mr McKenzie, daughter Julie and five grandchildren.

“Since dad died, pretty much her whole life was dedicated to looking after her grandkids,” Mr McKenzie said.

“It was like a full second life for her – she brought up her own kids, and lived her own life, and when the grandkids came along, she said ‘well, this is what I’m here for’.”

Mr McKenzie said his mother was always supportive of every endeavour of his.

He said after fighting for her life for more than a fortnight, his mum was “ready” to go.

“The last two and a half weeks have been dreadful,” he said.

“She’s at peace. Now she gets to go and see dad, she gets to see her best friend Christine, she gets to go and see her nephew Wayne, who filled our childhood with so much happiness.

“They’ll be causing hell up there.”

Grandma dies after couch crash

A loved grandma has died in hospital more than two weeks after she was involved in a serious two-car crash, caused after a couch was left on a Bell Post Hill road.

Vicki McKenzie, 74, was driving on Creamery Rd on September 10 when she hit the couch and crashed into another car carrying a young mum and her two kids.

Police are still calling for information or dashcam footage that relates to the crash. Reports can be made via Crime Stoppers.

Vicki McKenzie, pictured right, with her husband about 20 years ago.

On Tuesday evening Ms McKenzie’s son Brad — who has made repeated calls for the public to share information about the crash — confirmed his mum’s death and said he may never reconcile the circumstances surrounding it.

“The last two and a half weeks have been an absolute roller coaster,” Mr McKenzie said in a statement.

“So many times we’ve been told mum wasn’t going to last much longer, only to have her rally and provide us with so many more happy memories we weren’t expecting.

“She kept on fighting to make sure we were ok. Now the fight is over.

“This afternoon (Tuesday) Vicki McKenzie slipped away peacefully with (family) Julie and Molly by her side.

“Her mind was still relatively strong, but her injuries were simply too overwhelming.

“To imagine the circumstances in which this has happened is hard to comprehend.

“We are struggling to understand how something like this could happen at all, let alone to our family.

“I’m not sure we’ll ever reconcile losing our mum in this way.

“Thank you also to all those who’ve made an effort and reached out offering love and support. Mum said thank you, and she loves you all. As do we. Travel well Old Girl, Dad’s waiting.”

“The fact that someone knows what they’ve done and hasn’t come forward is sickening.”

Mr McKenzie also paid tribute to the hospital staff and paramedics which treated his mum.

“We can’t thank the first responders and in particular the incredible team at The Alfred enough for giving us the chance to squeeze in some memories and the chance to say goodbye.”

Norlane mum April Hayes, who was with her young daughters in the other car involved in the crash, said she wanted the public to share information about the crash with police.

“I assume someone knows who put the couch there. I definitely encourage them to dob that person in,” Ms Hayes said earlier this month.

“There’s no way you don’t notice a couch falling off a car or if the couch was on the side of the road, who in their right mind would move it to the road? That’s really, really stupid.”

Ms Hayes and her children, who escaped with minor injuries after the crash, were take to hospital for observation.

Anyone with dashcam footage, who witnessed the crash or with information on the couch is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Originally published as Vicki McKenzie dies in hospital two weeks after Bell Post Hill crash