Beloved mum and ‘heartbeat’ of travel safety foundation that supports Aussies dies in US traffic incident

An Australian woman killed when she was struck by a car in the US is being remembered as a “beautiful mum”, a “rock” of her family and the “heartbeat” of a travel safety and youth support foundation launched in honour of her late daughter.

Julie Fitzsimons, 65, was critically injured outside a restaurant in Sheridan, Wyoming on Wednesday, local time.

Her daughter Kate Gladdin shared a heartfelt tribute via the Nicole Fitzsimons Foundation, a charity launched by the family after Nicole was killed in a motorbike accident in Thailand in 2012, on Friday.

“With broken hearts we share the devastating news that we lost our beautiful Mum and the heartbeat of Nicole’s foundation, Julie Fitzsimons, in an accident,” Gladdin said.

“She was the rock of our family, a joy to be around and adored by all who knew her.

“We are absolutely shattered and ask for space as we navigate the difficult process of bringing her back home.

“Once we are ready, we will share more details on her celebration of life.

“For now, we find some solace in knowing she’s reunited with her beloved daughter, Nicole.

“The Fitzy family will never be the same, but we will rebuild once again in their honour — just like they would want us to.”

In a separate post on Friday, Gladdin shared the last photo she had taken with “the greatest Mum I could’ve ever asked for”.

“Oh Mum, if only I knew a few days ago as I stood under this rainbow with you that this would be our final photo together, I would’ve never let you go,” she said.

“I can’t hold you anymore but I’m never letting go of your incredible kindness, courage, resilience and endless love of the Dragons.

“I am so broken, but through the depth of my love for you and Nicole, I will do my best to rebuild and live as fully as I can in honour of you both.

“Please hug my sister for me so so tight.”

‘Strength, joy and unwavering belief’

The Nicole Fitzsimons Foundation was launched after the death of Julie’s daughter Nicole in a motorbike accident while on holiday in Thailand in 2012. Nicole was just 24.

The foundation provides travel safety education and helps young performing artists and sportspeople with financial assistance.

Fitzsimons’ sudden death was met with an outpouring of grief when news broke on the foundation’s social media pages, with hundreds of people leaving tributes for a “source of strength, joy and unwavering belief in the people around her”.

“She championed dreams not just with words, but with action, generosity, and a spirit that lifted others higher,” read one tribute.

“To be known and supported by her was to be championed and loved wholeheartedly.

“She will be so sorely missed and her absence leaves a silence that echoes deeply.

“But her impact — the lives she touched, the dreams she nurtured, the light she gave so freely despite her own heartache — will continue to live on in all of us and especially her beautiful family.

“We will carry her with us, always.”

The St George Sailing Club, where she was an archivist, described Fitzsimons as a “passionate club member who treasured our history”.

“Julie‘s passion for sailing extends through her family and her enthusiasm, donating her time and expertise will be missed,” the club said.

US media reports a male driver is assisting police and the investigation is ongoing.