The family of a woman killed in a car crash after making a "heroic" effort to save the life of a dying motorcyclist say they are devastated by the loss of their "beautiful Emily".
The 27-year-old woman stopped to help a motorcyclist who police said was travelling at a "reckless" speed when he crashed into a car at Wantirna in Melbourne's east on Tuesday night.
As she went to his aid, another car approaching the intersection hit and killed her.
"We are truly devastated to have lost our beautiful Emily," her family said in a statement.
"Emily was a loving wife and devoted mother to her son, aged five, and daughter, aged seven.
"She was a genuinely caring person right down to her line of work where she cared for dementia patients."
Police described her as a "hero" who had stopped after witnessing the motorcyclist's crash and tried to do "the right thing".
"She saw somebody that was in need of help, and she's gone out of her way to help, but unfortunately it's led to her death," Detective Inspector Brad McArthur said.
"She's a hero as far as I'm concerned.
"We overuse words like tragedy … but it really is. In this case, these words ring true. It is an absolute tragedy."
The family thanked the community for its support and requested complete privacy while they grieve.
