Aussie mum, ‘heartbeat’ of travel safety foundation Julie Fitzsimons dies in US crash

A mum described as the ‘heartbeat’ of a travel safety foundation she created after her daughter’s tragic death has died in a traffic accident in the US.

An Australian woman hit by a car and killed while legally crossing the road in the US has been remembered as the “rock” of her family who was “adored by all who knew her”.

Julie Fitzsimons, 65, was described as the “heartbeat” of a travel safety organisation for Aussies that she founded in the wake of her daughter Nicole’s death in a motorcycle accident in Thailand.

Ms Fitzsimons’ daughter Kate broke the news on Friday in a post to the Nicole Fitzsimons Foundation’s Instagram account, which she ran alongside her mum.

Julie Fitzsimons was killed in a traffic accident in the US. Picture: Instagram

“With broken hearts we share the devastating news that we lost our beautiful Mum and the heartbeat of Nicole’s Foundation, Julie Fitzsimons, in an accident yesterday,” Kate wrote.

“She was the rock of our family, a joy to be around and adored by all who knew her.

“We are absolutely shattered and ask for space as we navigate the difficult process of bringing her back home. Once we are ready, we will share more details on her celebration of life.

“For now, we find some solace in knowing she’s reunited with her beloved daughter, Nicole. The Fitzy family will never be the same, but we will rebuild once again in their honour – just like they would want us to.”

Nicole Fitzsimons was killed in a motorbike accident while travelling in Thailand in 2012.

The charity aims to provide travel safety education for young travellers as well as financial assistance for young Australians in the performing arts and sport.

Julie was killed when she was struck by a vehicle in Sheridan, Wyoming, according to local media.

She had been legally crossing the road at a designated crossing at the time she was struck.

The Sheridan Press reported that Ms Fitzsimons died of blunt force trauma after she was rushed to Sheridan Memorial Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

News of the Sydney mum’s death was met with heartfelt tributes from those who knew her, with those who knew her describing her as a woman who had touched many lives and championed those around her.

“Julie Fitzsimons was the beating heart of every space she entered – a constant source of strength, joy and unwavering belief in the people around her,” one woman said.

“She championed dreams not just with words, but with action, generosity, and a spirit that lifted others higher.

“To be known and supported by her was to be championed and loved wholeheartedly.”

Another woman described the mum as “the most wonderful human being, a fabulous generous and caring friend, a passionate, dedicated and inspirational colleague and so much more”.

Cook MP Simon Kennedy said Julie was a “driving force” at the family’s foundation, and “a remarkable person whose strength and kindness touched so many lives”.

“I was fortunate to see first-hand the incredible work she did, turning personal heartbreak into lasting impact for young Australians,” he said.

“My thoughts are with the Fitzsimons family during this unimaginable time. May Julie now rest peacefully with her beloved daughter Nicole. Her legacy of love, resilience and service will continue to inspire.”

Kate Fitzsimons with her sister Nicole. Picture: Supplied

Originally published as Aussie mum, ‘heartbeat’ of travel safety foundation Julie Fitzsimons dies in US crash