‘Joy-filled’ little girl, 3, hit by an out-of-control car on a footpath is pictured for the first time

By CAITLIN POWELL FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

Published: 08:05 BST, 15 April 2025 | Updated: 09:24 BST, 15 April 2025

The heartbroken family of a toddler killed in a tragic crash have described the ‘unimaginable void’ left in their lives.

Three-year-old Heidi was walking along a footpath in Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula last Friday when a car allegedly lost control and collided into her.

Emergency services were called to Presidents Avenue in Ocean Grove, 20km south-east of Geelong, where Heidi died at the scene.

An Ocean Grove woman, 71, was arrested at the scene and interviewed by detectives before she was released, pending further inquiries.

No charges have been laid at this stage.

The local community have rallied around Heidi’s parents Liesl and Nathan and sister, Bonnie.

‘Heidi was a bright, beautiful, joy-filled little girl who brought light and love wherever she went,’ family friend Kristi Davidson wrote on a GoFundMe.

‘Her absence leaves an unimaginable void in the lives of all who knew and loved her.’

Three-year-old Heidi (pictured) was walking along a footpath at Ocean Grove in Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula when a car allegedly lost control and collided with her

Police inquiries into the fatal collision outside Ocean Grove Library continue

‘In the midst of their heartbreak, Liesl and Nathan have expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming love and support they’ve already received.’

The family has been inundated with support from friends, their church, and the wider community, including prayers, meals, flowers and cards.

More than $45,000 already has been raised to help the family with daily expenses such as rent, groceries and bills as well as food delivery and cleaning services.

‘This practical support will be a blessing to them, not only so they don’t feel the need to return to work too soon, but allowing space for them to grieve, heal, and be together,’ Ms Davidson said.

Victoria Police are yet to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the collision.

Inquiries by Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives continue.

The tragedy has rocked the beachside town. 

‘It was like a catastrophe, it was like an earthquake happened by silently,’ local resident Tracey Pinnow told Nine News last weekend.

Tributes were placed at the scene where little Heidi’s life was tragically cut short

‘All we can think about is the parents, out of no fault of their own enjoying the afternoon, walking home from the shops.

‘Everyone is in tears, and we just can’t believe anything like this can happen so quickly.’

Andrew Pinnow added: ‘It’s hard to believe that this has happened.’

‘A small seaside place like Ocean Grove where children walk by all the time everyday.’

Anyone who witnessed the collision, has CCTV, dashcam footage or any information that could assist police has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

:
‘Joy-filled’ little girl, 3, hit by an out-of-control car on a footpath is pictured for the first time

***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk