An Irish nurse who worked at the Royal Melbourne Hospital has been remembered in tributes for her compassion and intellect, after being killed by a falling tree branch on Friday night.
Mary Ellen Molloy was travelling in a car with her friends and fellow nurses Sarah Fitzpatrick and Aoife Sheridan when a branch fell and crushed the back of the vehicle on Kings Way in South Melbourne.
Ms Molloy and Ms Fitzpatrick, who were sitting in the back seats, were injured and taken to hospital, where Ms Molloy later died.
Ms Sheridan and the male driver were not physically injured.
In a brief statement, the Royal Melbourne Hospital said it was supporting colleagues in the wake of the shocking accident.
"We send our deepest sympathies to the nurse's family and friends, who are grieving over this heartbreaking loss," the statement said.
Ms Molloy, who was from Donegal in Ireland, played for the St Kevin's Gaelic Athletic Club in Melbourne, which helped set up a fundraising page to assist the women's families in the wake of the tragedy.
"Our hearts are broken," the club said in a brief Facebook post.
"Mary Ellen was always smiling, so bubbly and caring. She would go out of her way to check in and find out about others.
"She was Donegal through and through and had such a strong love for her family and home. She will be dearly missed by our club and everyone that knew her."
Chris McMahon, who left a message on the fundraising site, described Ms Molloy as an "incredibly talented, intelligent, compassionate, bright and beautiful young woman".
The site had raised more than 51,000 euros by Sunday, exceeding its goal of 50,000 euros.
The Department of Transport is working with police to investigate the cause of the branch fall. A report will be prepared for the coroner.
