Heartbreaking tributes for Clifton Hill model, Elise Hodder, killed in Kooyong car park crash

The 24-year-old woman killed when she was struck by a car at a gathering in Kooyong on Sunday has been identified as “bubbly, bright” Clifton Hill model Elise Hodder, with tributes flowing.

Clifton Hill model Elise Hodder, 24, was killed when she was struck by a car in Kooyong. Picture: Facebook

Just over a week ago, Melbourne model Elise Hodder joyfully posted photos of her debut in a New York fashion magazine.

Yesterday her heartbroken family shared their own pride at their daughter’s achievement as they mourned the loss of a “beautiful, beautiful soul”.

Ms Hodder, 24, was hit and killed on Sunday by an allegedly drunk and drugged driver, just moments after arriving in an Uber to attend a rave with friends in Kooyong, in Melbourne’s inner east.

The model and lifeguard was dragged under the car as it reversed at speed in the carpark of Sir Zelman Cowen Park, a court heard on ­Monday.

Elise Hodder. Picture: Facebook

Picture: Facebook

Two of her friends were also injured in the crash – including Jeremy Orr, who took the photographs which had appeared in the August edition of New York-based Vanguard fashion magazine.

Ms Hodder’s parents, Michael and Pauline, said they had been “torn apart” by the sudden tragedy.

“She was not only a model, but a lifeguard who protected other people,” the couple told the Herald Sun on Monday night.

“Simply – she was a beautiful, beautiful soul with a radiance that touched everybody. Her presence, respect for others and calmness is what the world was lucky to have. Our hearts are broken but devoted to supporting family and her friends. Torn apart, but your smile and heartbeat will always be with us.”

Ms Hodder shared photos on her social media of a shoot that had been published in Vanguard magazine not long before her tragic death. Picture: Instagram

Elise Hodder has been described as a “beautiful girl”. Picture: Facebook

It is understood Ms Hodder came from a large policing family, with her father a retired Victoria Police officer.

Sunbury man Connor Matthiasson appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Monday charged with culpable driving causing death, dangerous driving causing death and negligently causing serious injury.

Police allege the 23-year-old was unlicensed, drunk and under the influence of cannabis when he got behind the wheel of his car as police arrived to break up the rave about 1.10am on Sunday.

It is understood Ms Hodder and Mr Matthiasson were both attendees at the party but did not know each other.

Witnesses said as he reversed his vehicle, he allegedly hit several people, including Ms Hodder.

Another woman suffered leg injuries and will require surgery to reconstruct both her ankles.

Mr Orr, a 25-year-old photographer, was also struck but not physically injured and shared a heartbreaking tribute for his friend yesterday.

The floral tribute for Elise Hodder. Picture: Brendan Beckett

“In the short time that I got to know you, you touched my heart … You were truly the most kind, sweet, loving, giving, friendly, caring, soft, strong, and beautiful (inside and out),” Mr Orr wrote.

“I can’t believe and never would’ve thought I’d be writing this and we are in so much pain thinking of you and the fact we’ll never get to see your amazing smile and hear your laugh ever again.”

Friend Mia Bailey said Elise’s heart was “so full of love”. She and Ms Hodder were “like sisters” and were meant to grow old together, she added.

“To know Elise, was to love Elise. Twenty-four years of friendship that I will cherish forever,” Ms Bailey said.

Meanwhile, Ms Hodder’s aunt, Cath Jean, returned to the scene of the crash on Monday to lay flowers for her niece.

Connor Matthiasson, 23, has been charged over the death of Melbourne model Elise Hodder. Picture: Supplied

Mr Matthiasson has expressed remorse. Picture: Supplied

“She was a beautiful, tall woman (with) lovely long arms and legs and she would just wrap herself around you and say how are you?” Ms Jean said.

“We adored her, she was just a beautiful soul,” she said.

Friends and loved ones left floral tributes and messages on Monday at the park for Ms Hodder.

FiveTwenty Model Management released a statement about Ms Hodder’s death, saying they received news with “deep sadness”.

“Elise was such a delight to work with. She was very curious about the industry and gave it her all, always showing up with a bubbly, bright attitude,” it read.

Mr Matthiasson’s father appeared in court on Monday to support his son, saying outside court it was “absolutely devastating”.

Picture: Facebook

Picture: Facebook

Lawyer George Balot said his client had been co-operative with the police.

“He stopped at the scene of the collision to render assistance, however, police were also present and they offered assistance to the injured and dying,” Mr Balot said.

“He is a shattered and devastated young man who through me conveys his deepest condolences to the Hodder family.”

Mr Matthiasson will return to court on Tuesday where a magistrate will decide whether he can be released on bail.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV or any other information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Originally published as Heartbreaking tributes for Clifton Hill model, Elise Hodder, killed in Kooyong car park crash