Elise Hodder: Tributes flow at funeral of Clifton Hill model killed by intoxicated driver at Kooyong rave

Hundreds of people have gathered to farewell young Melbourne model Elise Hodder a month after she was struck by an allegedly drunk, drug-affected driver in southeast Melbourne.

Devastated family members, friends, and work colleagues spoke to the congregation of close to 500 people at Leonda by the Yarra to pay tribute to the “beautiful” 24-year-old Clifton Hill woman.

Ms Hodder was killed when she was struck by a car shortly after she arrived at a rave at Sir Zelman Cowen Park in Kooyong in southeast Melbourne on October 13.

The outpouring of grief that followed immediately after her death in devastated tributes echoed at the funeral on Friday, as heartbroken loved ones spoke of their loss and shared fond memories of the “graceful”, “kind”, and “hilarious” woman.

According to The Herald Sun, Ms Hodder’s family were overcome with emotion when speaking about their beloved daughter. The funeral director spoke on behalf of her father grieving, Michael Hodder.

“Today above any other is a day that a father, a mother and brothers should be able to speak about a loving daughter and sister,” Mr Hodder wrote.

“But simply we do not have the strength to do this. I know you will absolutely understand, yet it is another regret, I particularly, will always bear.”

Close friend and photographer Jeremy Orr, who was also struck by the car that killed Ms Hodder, also spoke of losing his “best friend”.

Through tears, he said meeting Ms Hodder was “like meeting someone I had known my whole life”.

“You were the most caring, strong, beautiful and down-to-earth person I have ever had the pleasure of calling a best friend.”

Close friend and photographer Jeremy Orr, who was also struck by the car that killed Elise was another who shared some words.

Elise’s Aunty, childhood family friends, newer cherished mates and work colleagues, were among those who spoke.

Another close friend, Emma, who was struck by the car but could not attend the funeral due to other injuries prepared a statement to be read for her “irreplaceable” friend.

“Finding a friend so loyal, caring and sweet in your mid-twenties is so rare and something I will cherish forever,” the statement read.

A contingent of emergency service representatives were also in the large crowd to pay their respects.

A week before she was killed, Ms Hodder shared images of her debut in a New York fashion magazine a major milestone for her budding modelling career.

But her life was cut tragically short when she was struck by a quickly reversing car at 1.10 am on Sunday, October 13. Ms Hodder had arrived at the Kooyong park to attend the party just moments before the fatal incident.

Sunbury man Connor Mattiasson, 23, is charged with culpable driving causing death, dangerous driving causing death and negligently causing serious injury.

Police allege he was unlicensed, drunk and under the influence of cannabis when he got behind the wheel of his car.

He is alleged to have hit one pedestrian while reversing before accelerating and striking Ms Hodder, dragging her under the car, and another person as he tried to leave the carpark. He is alleged to have hit one pedestrian

He allegedly recorded a blood alcohol reading of 0.178 and tested positive for cannabis, the Herald Sun reports.

The prosecution objected to bail. His case will return to court in February.