'You were a legend': Tributes for Victorian mother who died after crashing into dam
A new mother has died in hospital a week after her car lost control and plunged into a Victorian dam.
Kerry Arrow and her husband Phil Budding were in their white Nissan Pathfinder when it drove off the side of the couple's steep dirt driveway and into the dam at Margaret Rd, Healesville, in Melbourne's outer east, on November 26.
The couple were on their way to the Mercy Hospital to visit their premature newborn baby Jock.
Mr Budding managed to escape the submerged car uninjured and pull his wife from the vehicle.
Paramedics administered CPR on the 36-year-old woman, a doctor of psychology, before she was airlifted to Royal Melbourne Hospital, however she sustained critical injuries and had been in hospital since.
Dr Arrow, a child psychologist, died in her sleep Tuesday night, surrounded by family and friends.
Following the tragic news, tributes flooded in on social media for the South African expat who was an avid horserider and "lit up the room like a fireworks display”.
“If you notice the day has dimmed, it is because one of the brightest lights on earth went out late last night, surrounded by those who held her dearest,” was shared on the Facebook page of the equine photography company, Trot-Shots.
“Kerry was a selfless friend, a dedicated professional, a loving wife and an adoring new mother, offering so much of herself to the betterment of others,”
Long-time friend Louisa Ttappous said she would always hold such fond memories of the “legend” from their school days at Sandringham High.
“This is so tragic. I can't believe it. My prayers and thoughts go to your family during this difficult time especially to your gorgeous little boy Jock who desperately needs his mommy. Its so sad... RIP girl you were a legend.”
Pam Green wrote: “Thank you for your 22 years of friendship, your unwavering support and pride in everything I do, and most recently, your help in helping people.
“Jock (your alien) has so many 'mommies' here to love him for you, he will know all about his wonder woman mom!” she wrote.
“Kerry Budding I just have tears, this isn't fair and I just can't believe this is how your story ends.”
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.
