Mother of Nicole Fitzsimons killed in Thailand crash dies after being hit by car in US
An Australian woman killed in a horror traffic accident in the US has been remembered as the 'rock' of her family who was 'adored by all who knew her'.
Julie Fitzsimons, 65, was killed when she was struck by a vehicle across from Wyoming Rib & Chop House in Sheridan, Wyoming, according to local media.
The Sheridan Press reported that Ms Fitzsimons died of blunt force trauma after she was rushed to Sheridan Memorial Hospital, where she pronounced dead.
Ms Fitzsimons' daughter Kate Fitzsimons broke the news on Friday in a post to the Nicole Fitzsimons Foundation Instagram account, a charity run by the pair.
'With broken hearts we share the devastating news that we lost our beautiful Mum and the heartbeat of Nicole's Foundation, Julie Fitzsimons, in an accident yesterday,' Kate wrote.
'She was the rock of our family, a joy to be around and adored by all who knew her.
'We are absolutely shattered and ask for space as we navigate the difficult process of bringing her back home. Once we are ready, we will share more details on her celebration of life.
'For now, we find some solace in knowing she's reunited with her beloved daughter, Nicole. The Fitzy family will never be the same, but we will rebuild once again in their honour – just like they would want us to.'
Kate is director and presenter at the Nicole Fitzsimons Foundation, a charity set up in honour of her sister who was killed in a motorbike accident in Thailand.
The charity aims to provide travel safety education for young travellers as well as financial assistance for young Australians in the performing arts and sport.
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