Student nurse killed in cycling accident in Brighton

THE CYCLIST killed in an accident with a large truck in Brighton earlier this week has been remembered as a “beautiful lady” who died while out on one of her first solo road rides.

Yuka Kamada was taking a break from study when she was fatally hit while cycling.

THE CYCLIST killed in an accident with a large truck in Brighton earlier this week has been remembered as a “beautiful lady” who died while out on one of her first solo road rides.

Yuka Kamada, 31, from Ormond, had moved from Tokyo about five years ago and worked as an aged carer while studying to become a nurse.

She was in her final year and had decided to take a break from exam study when she jumped on her bike and peddled along the popular Beach Road cycling route on Monday morning.

But Ms Kamada never made it home. She was killed near the intersection of St Kilda St and North Road about 10am.

Ms Kamada was studying to become a nurse. Picture: Supplied

Ms Kamada was always smiling and loved outdoor adventures. Picture: Supplied

Close friend Sachin Dhama, 31, said he and Ms Kamada shared a passion for riding and had recently bought themselves new road bikes.

“We would cycle 40 — 50 kilometres together on our days off,” he said.

“We were trying to get into cycling competitions.

Mr Dhama said Monday morning was Ms Kamada’s second time riding on the road by herself, but that she was a “confident” and “experienced rider”.

“We had been riding together for more than a year on paths. She was practising on the road by herself in the Brighton area,” he said.

Cycling lovers, Ms Kamada and Sachin Dhama were due to meet up the night the Japanese-born woman was killed.

Ms Kamada’s damaged bike likes on St Kilda Street near North Road. Picture: Nicole Garmston

The pair had planned to meet up on Monday night, possibly to catch a movie as was their fortnightly tradition.

Mr Dhama said his world collapsed when he heard the horrible news.

“I was shaking. I thought I was going to collapse. My legs were shaking and I couldn’t breathe for some time,” he said.

“I was supposed to call in the afternoon (to make plans) but then got the news from her housemate.

“I feel very sad and devastated. I can’t sleep at night.”

The pair met while working together at an aged care facility in Windsor where Ms Kamada had remained up until her death while studying at Holmesglen in Moorabbin.

Yuka Kamada was going to start competitive riding.

“She was very caring, happy and was always smiling,” Mr Dhama said.

Her family, including mother and brother, flew from Tokyo to Melbourne upon hearing the news of Ms Kamada’s death.

“They met with the Coroner on Wednesday. They don’t speak much English,” Mr Dhama said.

Emotional tributes to Ms Kamada have been posted online and close friends have left flowers at the intersection where she died.

“She will be missed greatly ... a great soul has left the world,” one wrote.

The truck driver, a 59-year-old man from South Melbourne, is assisting police with inquiries. No charges have been laid and the investigation is ongoing.

@AneekaSimonis

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