Cyclist dies after being hit by a truck in Yarraville
UPDATE: A MEMORIAL ride has been organised for the young mother tragically killed when hit by a truck while riding her bike in Yarraville.
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A MEMORIAL bike ride has been organised for a mother of two who died after being hit by a truck in Yarraville.
Moonee Ponds woman Arzu Karakoc, 35, was just a few kilometres from home when a truck struck her in Yarraville on Friday afternoon.
The memorial ride starts at 4.30pm today from Yarraville Gardens.
“We will leave from where she died and complete the ride to Williamstown for her. She will not be forgotten,” the Facebook event read.
“We all need safe routes and we call for the government to ensure they are built.”
The ride is open to anyone.
Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives believe the truck struck Ms Karakoc as it turned left into Somerville Rd from Whitehall St at 5.40pm.
She died at the scene.
The driver is assisting police.
The mum of two young girls killled in the heartbreaking tragedy was “adored” by all who knew her.
Ms Karakoc - whose eldest daughter is aged six and youngest turned two just two days earlier — was a year off graduating as a legal prosecutor.
Her devastated husband, who asked not to be named, said the couple had been inseparable since being married almost 15 years ago.
“She was so loved — she was loved by everyone,’’ the husband said.
“She was my loving partner — I loved her more than myself.
“Anyone that was in trouble she would help them. This house feels empty. I feel empty.”
Ms Karakoc met a friend who had just bought a new bike in St Kilda and was on her way home when tragedy struck.
“She went for a bike ride and then I didn’t hear anything,’’ the husband said.
“I thought, ‘OK she’s probably there … in St Kilda’. And then the two police officers came to the door.
“They told me the sad news unfortunately — I was devastated. It was utter devastation.”
Ms Karakoc only days before the accident returned from a family holiday in Hamilton Island, which provided a much-needed break from her study and tireless work raising her beloved children.
“She was go, go, go,’’ her husband said.
“She was a very strong, strong, strong woman — always driven.
“She always wanted to achieve something. I miss her so much.”
Friends and family, some from overseas, have rushed to support the family.
They remembered her as an incredible mother, inspirational woman and beautiful friend who always had a smile on her face.
Close friend Malek Sleiman said: “She was an amazing, hardworking mother that put her daughters before anyone.”