TRIBUTES FOR MADISON
Geelong woman killed on New York street
A GEELONG 23-year-old who was tragically killed in New York City while on the trip of a lifetime has been remembered as an adventurous travel lover and a “wonderful friend”.
Madison Jane Lyden was riding along a bike path on Central Park West when she swerved into traffic to avoid a car pulling out in front of her shortly before 5pm Friday, local time.
She was then fatally struck by a garbage truck.
Ms Lyden, a City of Greater Geelong employee and Deakin psychology graduate, was in New York on holiday with friends, and had headed to the US after travelling in Japan and the Philippines.
She moved to Geelong in 2016 to study, after growing up in Tasmania.
Ms Lyden commenced work with City of Greater Geelong as a swimming instructor, lifeguard and receptionist in March 2017, working at Leisurelink, Waterworld and Kardinia Pool facilities around Geelong.
Emotional family members spoke to the media last night.
“I don’t really know where to begin on what Madison meant to me and our family,” twin sister Paige said.
Dad Andrew Lyden described a “loyal and loving” young woman.
“Madison was a beautiful daughter,” he said. “Our girl was on the trip of a lifetime, and 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’.”
“For her to be taken from us in such a horrific way is gut-wrenching. Words can’t describe how heartbreaking this is,” he said.
Mum Amanda Berry said Madison had just completed four years of university, was applying for masters this year and had been “travelling the world with her best friend having the adventure of a lifetime”.
One friend, who did not wish for their name to be published, told the Geelong Advertiser that Ms Lyden was “always bubbly”.
“She just wanted to do so much and tried so hard,” she said.
“She was so caring, there for everyone, just awesome.”
The friend described Ms Lyden as a dedicated student who excelled academically and loved being in the water.
“She was always so eager to go and do things … she wanted to see the world. “It’s just so unfair. “She had such a positive vibe and outlook on life.”
City of Greater Geelong will lower its flags at City Hall to half-mast today as a mark of public respect following the tragedy.
“On behalf of the executive leadership team, staff, mayor and council of the City of Greater Geelong, I wish to express our deep sorrow and sadness following the news that the Australian cyclist tragically killed in New York … was a much-valued City employee and colleague, Madison Lyden,” City of Greater Geelong CEO Martin Cutter said.
“Madison was a valued and respected team member and she will be greatly missed.”
“I would like to express our sincerest condolences to Madison’s family, friends, team members and students.”
Mr Cutter said support services were being offered to City staff affected by the tragedy.
Heartbroken friends paid tribute to the bubbly, smart woman after the tragedy, with Emily Boubis writing on social media: “You brought so much love, light and laughter to my life, and I’ll cherish that for a very long time. You were a bubbly and bright soul, and a wonderful friend. Thank you for everything we shared.”
Friend Caity Ashton said meeting Ms Lyden at Deakin University was “one of the best things that happened to me”.
“She was so beautiful both inside and out.”
The Winged Horse Equine Welfare Inc., a Bellarine Peninsula animal charity, wrote on Facebook that “Madi was forever effervescent, intelligent, sensitive, caring and mindful.”
WITH THE SUNDAY HERALD SUN
“She just wanted to do so much and tried so hard. She was so caring, there for everyone, just awesome.”