Chani Knopf: Young Australian nurse hit and killed by car in Italy during holiday to attend wedding

A young Australian nurse is being remembered as a “beautiful” woman whose death “has left a hole in the lives of so many” after she was tragically killed on holiday in Italy.

Chani Knopf, 32, suffered “catastrophic injuries” when she was hit by a car at a pedestrian crossing in the country’s northern town of Montagnana.

The registered nurse, who worked at Gosford Hospital’s Emergency Department in NSW, was attended to by the driver of the vehicle who stopped to help before emergency crews arrived, news.com.au reported.

She was airlifted to the nearby Padua University Hospital and placed in a coma.

Despite the desperate efforts of medial staff, Ms Knopf never regained consciousness and died on September 3.

Ms Knopf’s heartbroken parents, Susan and Ger, travelled to Italy to be by her side in her final moments.

Her best friend, Melissa Wellman, 32, said she was grateful for the “incredible” group of friends Ms Knopf was holidaying with to attend a wedding.

“They stayed by Chani’s bedside every day while waiting for her parents to arrive in Italy,” Ms Wellman told news.com.au

“They played her favourite music, surrounded her with love and spoke messages from the people who loved her to her right up until her final moments.

“They are incredible people and were incredible friends to Chani. I will always be so grateful that she had them there with her.”

Ms Wellman said she was struggling to come to terms with the loss of her best friend.

“I feel like my other half is missing. Chani was my best friend, but she was also like a sister to me, another daughter to my parents and an aunty to my nieces,” she said.

“I’m still finding it hard to believe that she’s not here. So many of her friends and family have been rocked by this because she was loved by so many people and her light reached so far.”

Ms Wellman has set up a GoFundMe to help Ms Knopf’s family cope with the financial burden of their loved one’s tragic death.

“It is with heavy hearts that we create this go fund me. Our beautiful Chani was involved in an accident while she was travelling and suffered catastrophic injuries,” she wrote in the fundraiser’s statement.

“Chani’s sudden passing has left a hole in the lives of so many.

“Those that knew Chani would know that she walked through life with such contagious joy, love and generosity of spirit.

“Chani gave her time, energy, kindness and support to others without ever expecting anything in return. This will always be her legacy.”

She thanked donors who had collectively smashed the campaign’s $50,000 goal, with the total amount raised sitting at $55,016 at the time of writing.

“The hope is to provide her parents with some financial breathing room so they can take the time they need to grieve, as they grapple with this unimaginable loss,” she added.

“Most importantly, the fundraiser is a way for the community to surround Chani’s family with the same love, generosity and support that Chani gave so freely throughout her life.

“Any contribution, no matter the amount, would be deeply appreciated. For those unable to donate, sharing the fundraiser means the absolute world.

“Sending love to all of her family and friends at this time. How lucky are we to have known and loved her.”