Today presenter pays emotional tribute to ‘hero’ preschool worker killed in crash

Today presenter Alex Cullen paid an emotional tribute to his friend Eleanor Bryant, who died while saving preschool children from the path of a water tanker.

Bryant, a speech pathologist, was working at Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool in Riddells Creek, north-west of Melbourne, on Monday when a truck ploughed through the playground.

Today presenter Alex Cullen pays tribute to his friend Eleanor Bryant.Credit: Nine

Bryant pushed children out of the path of the truck, Cullen said. She died at the scene.

Bryant and Cullen grew up together in Coonamble in NSW’s central west. He remembered his friend as a hero who put the lives of children above her own.

Eleanor Bryant was killed after a truck crashed into a kindergarten north-west of Melbourne.Credit: Nine

“There are people in this world who you can’t quite believe are so kind, so generous, so wonderful and caring. Eleanor Bryant, or EJ as she was to us, was one of those people. Eleanor was a light that lit up every room, never had a bad word to say about anyone,” he said.

In a tearful tribute, he described his friend as having a “knack at giving you that sense that everything will be OK”.

“It does not surprise me one bit that Eleanor pushed those school kids out of the way yesterday to ultimately save their lives. She always put others first and a great example to all of us,” he said.

“We will miss you, Eleanor, and thank you for everything you gave us.”

Bryant is survived by her two children and her husband, Tim.

Multiple children and teachers were outside enjoying the playground when the 68-year-old McKenzie Water truck driver had a medical episode, the company said.

Police believe the driver hit a bridge, a car and multiple signs before crashing into the preschool. A three-year-old child was injured and suffered serious but not life-threatening injuries to their arm.

“We are in shock and offer our heartfelt condolences to everyone involved,” Alan McKenzie, owner of McKenzie Water, said.

“This is an incredibly distressing time, and our deepest sympathies go to those involved and their families and friends.”

The truck driver was conscious when police arrived. He was taken to Royal Melbourne Hospital in a stable condition.

Federal MP for Menzies Keith Wolahan called Bryant a “hero who sacrificed her life to save children in her care”.

“I hope her family finds comfort in her courage. May she rest in peace,” he said.

Today is broadcast by Nine Entertainment, publisher of this masthead.

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