Aussie tourist killed on dream trip arrived in New York just days ago
A 23-year-old swim teacher from Geelong has been killed in a shocking bike accident near Central Park in New York.
Madison Jane Lyden was on an overseas adventure with friends and had arrived in New York City just days ago, but in the city where dreams are made her life was tragically cut short.
The young woman was cycling around Central Park when she was hit and killed by a garbage truck.
“I was just praying to God, you know, to help her, like ‘please God,'” one witness said.
Police say she was riding in a designated bike lane but an Uber pulled out in front of her and she was pushed into the path of the truck.
Dozens rushed to the 23-year-old’s aid before she was taken to hospital.
The truck driver was taken in for drug and alcohol testing.
New York Mayor Bill De Blasio said: “Here’s someone doing everything they’re supposed to do.”
“We know in some of these cases we’ve lost innocent people because drivers didn’t take care,” he said.
News of Madison’s death has only just reached her friends and family in Geelong. They say they’re shocked to learn her trip of a lifetime could have ended so tragically.
The 23-year-old had been a swim teacher at a Waurn Ponds aquatic centre for almost two years.
A colleague described her as “bright and bubbly.”
“She’s really well liked by her team and also the families that come to the centre,” they told 7 News.
