3 days ago
Another agonising blow for family of Channel Nine sports reporter who was killed in a Thailand motorcycle crash
The family of former Channel Nine sports reporter Nicole Fitzsimons, who was killed in a crash more than a decade ago, has been left devastated again after her mother died in a traffic accident.
Julie Fitzsimons, 65, was hit by a vehicle on Wednesday across from Wyoming Rib & Chop House in Sheridan, Wyoming.
She was taken to Sheridan Memorial Hospital where she died from her injuries, The Sheridan Press reported.
The driver who struck the Australian mother spoke to local police and an investigation is ongoing.
It comes more than a decade after Nicole Fitzsimons, Julie's daughter, died in Thailand.
The 24-year-old was riding a motorbike in October 2012 when a speeding rider on the wrong side of the road collided with her.
The Fitzsimons family launched the Nicole Fitzsimons Foundation following her death to help raise awareness of travel safety and supporting passionate athletes.
Following the tragic news about Julie, the family released a statement through the foundation's social media page.
'With broken hearts we share the devastating news that we lost our beautiful mum and the heartbeat of Nicole's Foundation,' it said on Instagram.
'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.'
The family said details of the celebration of her life would be released later.
'For now, we find some solace in knowing she's reunited with her beloved daughter, Nicole,' the statement said.
'The Fitzy family will never be the same, but we will rebuild once again in their honour - just like they would want us to.'
In the wake of Nicole's death 12 years ago, her sister Kate quit a corporate job to dedicate her time to the foundation's work of raising awareness to how many Australians have died while travelling.
'I began researching how many other poor families had suffered what we've been through,' she said in 2016.
'And I soon realised far too many Aussies are compromising their safety in foreign countries.'
Ms Gladdin (born Fitzsimons), who is an author, life coach and speaker and lives in Sheridan, took to Instagram to share a personal tribute to her mother.
'I am so broken, but through the depth of my love for you and Nicole, I will do my best to rebuild and live as fully as I can in honour of you both,' she said on Thursday.
'You truly were a rainbow to everyone who knew you, always brightening their day in anyway you could.
'I will forever love and miss you Mum. Please hug my sister for me so, so tight. My broken heart beats for you both now.'
