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Family's heartbreak after Aussie tourist was killed in New York

The devastated parents of a young Geelong swim teacher have paid tribute to their daughter who was killed while riding a rental bike in New York.

They say 23-year-old Madison Lyden had the world at her feet, before her trip of a lifetime ended in tragedy.

“She just completed four years of university, she was applying for masters this year, and she’s just been travelling the world with her best friend, having the adventure of a lifetime,” her mother Amanda Berry said.

Madison was riding in a bike lane near New York’s Central Park, but swerved to avoid a car and was hit by a garbage truck.

“She’d only spoken to me I think the previous day, or the day before, and said, ‘dad, can you believe your little girl’s in New York City’, and for her to be taken from us in such a horrific way is gut-wrenching,” Madison’s father, Andrew Lyden said.

Madison was hit by a garbage truck after she swerved to avoid a car. Source: 7 News.
Madison was hit by a garbage truck after she swerved to avoid a car. Source: 7 News.

Her twin sister is also trying to understand the unimaginable.

“I don’t really know where to begin on what Madison meant to me, and our family,” Madison’s twin Paige Lyden said.

The 23-year-old’s heartbroken family are struggling to comprehend the tragedy. Source: 7News
The 23-year-old’s heartbroken family are struggling to comprehend the tragedy. Source: 7News

Today friends took to social media to honour her.

“Rest in Peace Maddy. You brought so much love, light and laughter to my life, and I’ll cherish that for a very long time,” one said.

Another wrote: “Mads I can’t find any words. Your tragic loss is heartbreaking. I am truly blessed to have known you.”

Her family are now left with only memories.

“Words can’t describe how heartbreaking this is,” Madison’s father said.

The truck driver has been charged with being drunk.

Madison’s family say she had the world at her feet. Source: 7News
Madison’s family say she had the world at her feet. Source: 7News