Tears and tributes flow at funeral of Elise Hodder killed in Kooyong crash
Hundreds of mourners have gathered to pay tribute to Clifton Hill model Elise Hodder, who tragically lost her life after being struck by a drunk and drug-affected driver last month.
Victoria
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Hundreds of mourners have paid tribute to Clifton Hill model Elise Hodder who tragically died last month after being struck by a drunk and drug-affected driver at a Kooyong park party.
Close to 500 people were packed into Leonda by the Yarra to attend the funeral of the budding model, with the cars of friends, family and acquaintances filling the surrounding streets of the Hawthorn venue.
A large group of emergency service representatives were also in the crowd, while a live stream of the proceedings was sent out to those across Australia and the world that couldn’t make it.
A number of heartbroken loved ones took to the dais to speak of their loss, as well as their fond memories and love for Elise.
The words “beautiful”, “graceful”, “kind” and “hilarious” were those used most often to describe her.
For Elise’s direct family, however, reading the speeches proved to hard, the funeral director taking to the microphone on their behalf.
“Today above any other is a day that a father, a mother and brothers should be able to speak about a loving daughter and sister,” Dad, Michael Hodder’s statement read.
“But simply we do not have the strength to do this. I know you will absolutely understand, yet it is another regret, I particularly, will always bear.”
Elise’s Aunty, child hood family friends, newer cherished mates and work colleagues, were among those who spoke.
Close friend and photographer Jeremy Orr, who was also struck by the car that killed Elise was another who shared some words.
“Elise, when I met you it was like meeting someone I had known my whole life,” he said through tears.
“You were the most caring, strong, beautiful and down to earth person I have ever had the pleasure of calling a best friend.”
Another close friend of Elise, Emma, was also struck by the vehicle on the night of the incident suffering such severe injuries that she couldn’t physically attend the funeral.
A statement was read out on her behalf.
“Finding a friend so loyal, caring and sweet in your mid-twenties is so rare and something I will cherish forever,” it read.
“You are absolutely irreplaceable and I still can’t believe this has happened and I am writing this to you.
“It still feels like just yesterday we were chatting about how our lives will look when we are old.”
An environment lover, Elise’s biodegradable wicker coffin was wheeled out by her family, a guard of honour of her closest friends leading the way through waves of mourners and tears.
The man behind the wheel of the car that killed Elise, Connor Matthiasson, will return to court in February.
Originally published as Tears and tributes flow at funeral of Elise Hodder killed in Kooyong crash
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