An Australian nurse who was struck by a car while crossing a road in northern Italy has died from her injuries, with her family saying her decision to donate her organs has given seven young Italians a chance of life.
Chani Knopf, 32, from Terrigal on the New South Wales Central Coast, had travelled to Montagnana, in the Padua province, for a friend’s wedding. She and her companions stayed on after the ceremony and were in the town on 30 August when she was hit at a pedestrian crossing.
The registered nurse, who had worked at Gosford Hospital since 2021, suffered catastrophic injuries and was airlifted to hospital in Padua. Doctors placed her in an induced coma, but she died five days later on 3 September.
Her parents, Susan and Ger, travelled from Australia to be with her and remain in Italy as arrangements are made to bring their daughter’s body home.
Italian reports said the collision occurred on Via Circonvallazione after a local event, with the driver, a 21-year-old man, stopping to help. He is reportedly being investigated over the fatal crash, while police inquiries continue.
Ms Knopf’s family has not blamed the driver. Her friends, who were with her at the time, gave first aid at the scene and stayed beside her in hospital until her parents arrived.
Her best friend, Melissa Wellman, said the group played Ms Knopf’s favourite music, surrounded her with affection and passed on messages from those who loved her.
Ms Knopf was an organ donor, and seven young people in Italy have received organs following her death.
“It feels incredibly fitting for Chani, who loved life so deeply and dedicated her career to caring for others,” Ms Wellman said.
“Her family have said that knowing her legacy continues in this way has brought them some comfort, and they know she would have been so happy to help others, even after her passing.”
The municipality of Montagnana has also expressed its sorrow, describing Ms Knopf as a visitor who had taken in the beauty of the walled town before her death.
Friends have remembered the Gosford Hospital nurse as generous, adventurous and full of infectious happiness. Ms Wellman said the pair, who had been close for 16 years, had planned to be each other’s maids of honour and hoped their future children would grow up together.
“Chani’s tragic death has left a hole in the lives of so many,” she wrote in a fundraising appeal, which has raised more than 55,000 Australian dollars to help with the unexpected costs facing the family.
“Chani gave her time, energy, kindness and support to others without ever expecting anything in return. This will always be her legacy.”
