Grieving mum of Krystal Browitt, killed by volcano eruption, keeps bedside vigil
After losing her youngest daughter Krystal in the horrific White Island volcano eruption, Marie Browitt is refusing to leave the bedside of her eldest daughter Stephanie, who is clinging to life in hospital after surviving the blast.
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A distraught Marie Browitt is maintaining a vigil at the hospital bedsides her eldest daughter and husband, as they fight for survival, following the tragic death of her youngest daughter Krystal in the New Zealand volcano eruption last month.
Family friend Steven Galea, who has helped raised more than $100,000 for the Browitts so far, said Marie wanted to express her appreciation for the love and support she had received over the last few weeks.
“Overwhelmed and with heartfelt gratitude, she wishes to pass on a big thank you for all the offers of support, donations and warm wishes which have been lovingly provided,” Mr Galea said.
“Unfortunately, she is still unable to personally reach out to anyone at the moment, as her focus remains with her family in the hospital.”
It’s understood a funeral for Krystal is yet to be held.
The Sunday Herald Sun was told last week Marie, from Craigieburn, was still in a state of shock and spending her days by the hospital bedsides of her surviving daughter Stephanie, 23, and husband Paul at Melbourne’s The Alfred, where they are extremely ill and receiving specialist burns care.
A car with green P-plates remained parked in the driveway of the Browitts’ Craigieburn home last week; a potent reminder of life before the 12-night cruise to New Zealand, which took the life of 21-year-old veterinary nursing student, Krystal, and critically injured her sister and father.
A neighbour of the Browitts has said it was possible Marie Browitt chose to stay on the Ovation of the Seas cruise ship while other members of her family went on the fateful day trip to White Island on December 9 because she had a medical condition.
The Craigieburn community had rallied to support the stricken Browitt family, with a recent fundraiser at the local sporting club raising more than $32,000 through tickets, a silent auction and raffles.
“Combined with the GoFundMe it takes the total raised to over $106,000,” Mr Galea said.
Another friend of Marie Browitt took to social media in December to plead with people to “keep praying” for Stephanie and Paul’s recovery.
The friend said Marie was being supported by friends.
“Stephanie is communicating with Marie and the nurses by her arm movements or toes some times … so this is a positive but guarded sign for Marie. I believe your love, prayers and good thoughts are helping! Don’t stop!,” the woman wrote.
Three patients from the White Island volcano tragedy continue to receive specialist burns care at Melbourne’s Alfred hospital.
“One patient is in a stable condition. Two patients remain in a critical condition,” a hospital spokeswoman told the Sunday Herald Sun last week.
Seventeen people have so far been confirmed dead as a result of the volcano eruption and two people remain missing, including one Australian teen.
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Most of those killed or injured in the eruption were part of organised day trips from the Ovation of the Seas cruise ship, which the Browitt family was holidaying on in celebration of Krystal’s birthday.
There were 47 people on White Island when the volcano erupted. More than half were Australian citizens or permanent residents.