Tributes flow for Tony Mokbel’s niece Keana Mokbel after horror crash

Friends of Tony Mokbel’s niece have paid tribute to their “ray of sunshine” after she was killed when her car struck a tree in Heidelberg West.

Keana Mokbel pictured with her friend, Rini Menidis. Picture: Facebook

Friends of Tony Mokbel’s niece have paid tribute to their “ray of sunshine” after the hospitality worker died in a horror crash in Melbourne’s northeast.

Keana Mokbel, 25, was killed when her car struck a tree on Southern Rd in Heidelberg West about 8.50pm on Sunday.

It is understood she was alone while driving the car and heading to her grandmother’s in Preston.

Ms Mokbel’s father, Horty, and mother, Zaharoula, have been left devastated by the tragedy.

Her uncle, Tony Mokbel, an inmate at Barwon Prison, was told on Monday of the incident.

“It’s a very difficult time for the family,” the Herald Sun was told.

“What else can you say? Tony will be lost for words.”

Keana Mokbel has been described as a ‘pocket rocket’. Picture: Supplied

Keana’s father, Horty Mokbel. Picture: Tony Gough

Tony Mokbel, who is appealing his convictions for drug ­trafficking, is not expected to make an application to attend her funeral.

It’s understood Ms Mokbel worked at Degani Cafe in Northcote Plaza.

Tributes have flowed on social media with friends remembering her as a “pocket rocket”.

“The way your smile lit up the entire universe was infectious, you would bring my mood to your level of joy in moments of being around you,” Joesphine Fotiadis said.

“You’d make anyone blush with your cute compliments and cheek.

“You were one of a kind, crazy and free, one in a million.

“No doubt wherever you have gone you’ll be the brightest star.”

Rini Menidis said she will miss her friend’s smile and advice.

“You were such a light and made an imprint in everyone’s life,” she said.

“You always stood up for me and had my back.

“I always looked up to you like you were my big sister. You will forever be in my heart, my girl.”

Helena Katsouranis said Ms Mokbel was a “ray of sunshine”.

“You’ve left too many people behind that I don’t know how to do life without you,” she said.

“I thank god for the time I got to spend with you, not many people meet such a natural ray of sunshine like you were.”

A date for her funeral is still to be set.