TV host Alex Cullen honours hero teacher who saved children during kindergarten truck crash
- Replies 5
In a heart-wrenching incident that has gripped the nation, a kindergarten teacher's instinctive act of bravery has left us in awe and deep respect.
Eleanor Bryant, a 43-year-old mum of two and a beloved speech pathologist, tragically lost her life while saving children from an out-of-control water tanker in Melbourne's northwest.
A TV host who shared a personal connection with Ms Bryant delivered an emotional tribute to the hero teacher, whose selfless actions will be eternally etched in the memories of those she saved and the community at large.
The catastrophic event unfolded on a seemingly ordinary afternoon at the Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool in Riddells Creek, when a water tanker veered off Main Road and crashed through the fence of the kindergarten.
In what can only be described as a split-second decision of pure altruism, Ms Bryant pushed children out of the way, sparing them from harm but paying the ultimate price herself.
A three-year-old boy was injured in the incident and is currently receiving care at the Royal Children's Hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Alex Cullen, a host on the Today show, grew up with Eleanor Bryant and spoke with a heavy heart about the ‘amazing woman’ who was a beacon of kindness and generosity.
‘There are people in this world who you can’t quite believe are so kind, so generous, so wonderful and caring. Eleanor Bryant…was one of those people,’ he lamented.
‘Eleanor was a light that lit up every room, never had a bad word to say about anyone, and [was an] accomplished speech pathologist.’
According to the host, Ms Bryant, the oldest of four siblings, ‘would just do anything for anyone’.
‘That person who had that knack of giving you that sense that everything will be okay,’ Cullen continued.
‘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, always put others first.’
‘We will miss you, Eleanor, and thank you for everything you gave us,’ he added.
Cullen also reminisced that he had just recently spoken with Ms Bryant during the Olympics and found the news of her death unbelievable.
‘It’s just so tragic. Life can just be taken in an instant, and I’m thinking of everyone today, all those wonderful people at that school and her wonderful family,’ he said.
‘She was the same age when she lost her mum as her children are now.’
‘It’s just brutally sad. But she was she’ll be remembered as just one of the greatest people that ever lived,’ the host added.
The tragedy has resonated deeply with the community, prompting Keith Wolahan, Member of Menzies, to honour Ms Bryant on social media, calling her a ‘hero’.
‘Eleanor Bryant is 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,’ Wolahan wrote.
Detective Senior Sergeant Christian Von Tuk described the incident as ‘tragic’ and ‘could have been a lot worse’ given the number of children and staff in and near the playground area.
‘This is one of those close calls that I don’t know how only one person has died today,’ Sergeant Von Tuk stated. ‘It’s unbelievable.’
The 68-year-old truck driver from Broadford, believed to have suffered a medical episode, was taken to hospital for observation.
Alan McKenzie, Owner of the truck company McKenzie Water, expressed his shock and offered condolences to all involved.
‘We are in shock and offer our heartfelt condolences to everyone involved,’ he said in a statement.
‘As a small, family-owned business, we are devastated following the tragic crash…this is an incredibly distressing time, and our deepest sympathies go to those involved and their families and friends.’
‘Sadly, one person has lost their life, and a child has been injured.’
‘Our experienced 68-year-old driver is understood to have suffered a medical episode and remains in hospital,’ Mr McKenzie added.
Mr McKenzie also expressed his gratitude to the staff and emergency services who responded.
‘We are doing what we can to support him and his family,’ he stated.
‘We are assisting authorities with their investigations.’
‘McKenzie Water has been operating in Melbourne and Victoria for 40 years, and our priority has always been safety and compliance,’ the owner added.
As we reflect on this devastating event, it's important to recognise the extraordinary courage displayed by Eleanor Bryant.
Her actions serve as a poignant reminder of the selflessness and dedication inherent in educators and caregivers.
It's a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the profound impact one individual can have on the lives of many.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Ms Bryant's family and the affected community in this difficult time. May she rest in peace.
Members, have you witnessed acts of bravery in your own lives that have moved you or changed your perspective? Let's come together to honour the legacy of a woman who embodied the very essence of heroism and compassion.
Eleanor Bryant, a 43-year-old mum of two and a beloved speech pathologist, tragically lost her life while saving children from an out-of-control water tanker in Melbourne's northwest.
A TV host who shared a personal connection with Ms Bryant delivered an emotional tribute to the hero teacher, whose selfless actions will be eternally etched in the memories of those she saved and the community at large.
The catastrophic event unfolded on a seemingly ordinary afternoon at the Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool in Riddells Creek, when a water tanker veered off Main Road and crashed through the fence of the kindergarten.
In what can only be described as a split-second decision of pure altruism, Ms Bryant pushed children out of the way, sparing them from harm but paying the ultimate price herself.
A three-year-old boy was injured in the incident and is currently receiving care at the Royal Children's Hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Today host Alex Cullen gave an emotional tribute to teacher Eleanor Bryant, who died saving children from an out-of-control truck. Credit: Facebook: TODAY
Alex Cullen, a host on the Today show, grew up with Eleanor Bryant and spoke with a heavy heart about the ‘amazing woman’ who was a beacon of kindness and generosity.
‘There are people in this world who you can’t quite believe are so kind, so generous, so wonderful and caring. Eleanor Bryant…was one of those people,’ he lamented.
‘Eleanor was a light that lit up every room, never had a bad word to say about anyone, and [was an] accomplished speech pathologist.’
According to the host, Ms Bryant, the oldest of four siblings, ‘would just do anything for anyone’.
‘That person who had that knack of giving you that sense that everything will be okay,’ Cullen continued.
‘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, always put others first.’
‘We will miss you, Eleanor, and thank you for everything you gave us,’ he added.
Cullen also reminisced that he had just recently spoken with Ms Bryant during the Olympics and found the news of her death unbelievable.
‘It’s just so tragic. Life can just be taken in an instant, and I’m thinking of everyone today, all those wonderful people at that school and her wonderful family,’ he said.
‘She was the same age when she lost her mum as her children are now.’
‘It’s just brutally sad. But she was she’ll be remembered as just one of the greatest people that ever lived,’ the host added.
The tragedy has resonated deeply with the community, prompting Keith Wolahan, Member of Menzies, to honour Ms Bryant on social media, calling her a ‘hero’.
‘Eleanor Bryant is 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,’ Wolahan wrote.
Detective Senior Sergeant Christian Von Tuk described the incident as ‘tragic’ and ‘could have been a lot worse’ given the number of children and staff in and near the playground area.
‘This is one of those close calls that I don’t know how only one person has died today,’ Sergeant Von Tuk stated. ‘It’s unbelievable.’
The 68-year-old truck driver from Broadford, believed to have suffered a medical episode, was taken to hospital for observation.
Alan McKenzie, Owner of the truck company McKenzie Water, expressed his shock and offered condolences to all involved.
‘We are in shock and offer our heartfelt condolences to everyone involved,’ he said in a statement.
‘As a small, family-owned business, we are devastated following the tragic crash…this is an incredibly distressing time, and our deepest sympathies go to those involved and their families and friends.’
‘Sadly, one person has lost their life, and a child has been injured.’
‘Our experienced 68-year-old driver is understood to have suffered a medical episode and remains in hospital,’ Mr McKenzie added.
Mr McKenzie also expressed his gratitude to the staff and emergency services who responded.
‘We are doing what we can to support him and his family,’ he stated.
‘We are assisting authorities with their investigations.’
‘McKenzie Water has been operating in Melbourne and Victoria for 40 years, and our priority has always been safety and compliance,’ the owner added.
As we reflect on this devastating event, it's important to recognise the extraordinary courage displayed by Eleanor Bryant.
Her actions serve as a poignant reminder of the selflessness and dedication inherent in educators and caregivers.
It's a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the profound impact one individual can have on the lives of many.
Members, have you witnessed acts of bravery in your own lives that have moved you or changed your perspective? Let's come together to honour the legacy of a woman who embodied the very essence of heroism and compassion.
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