“Selfless lady” killed in chaotic scenes near hospital car park

Aloved mother and grandmother has been identified as one of the two people who died after a tragic incident near the car park of Nepean Hospital last Thursday afternoon.

About 3.20pm on Thursday, April 27 emergency services were called to the hospital near Parker Street, Kingswood, following reports of a crash.

A police spokesperson said that officers attached to Nepean Police Area Command were told on arrival that a 55-year-old woman had allegedly reversed her car into another car, before accelerating and hitting a 59-yearold female pedestrian.

“The driver and pedestrian were both assessed by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, they were pronounced dead at the scene,” the spokesperson said.

“The driver of the other car – a 23-year-old woman – was treated by hospital staff for shock.”

The pedestrian has been identified as 59-year-old Melinda Nicholls, who was visiting the hospital.

On a GoFundMe page, which has since been set up following the accident, Nicholls’ son Bill Collison said the family is trying to “function day to day” after losing their family member.

“She (Nicholls) left behind two sons, four grandchildren and an ex-husband of 25 years who was her best friend for 50 years and so many friends who are at a complete loss,” Collison said.

“Our mother was a selfless lady. Her only goal in life was to help people and be a grandmother.”

The family is hoping to raise $15,000 for a funeral.

“The whole family is at a complete loss [and] we are in a financial crisis at the moment. We would be very much appreciative of any help that people can provide please help us celebrate our beautiful mother’s life and give her the send-off she deserves,” Collison said.

The driver has not yet been named, but police have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Several police officers were at the scene on Thursday afternoon following the first responders, with a large white sheet covering the vehicle, which was still crashed into the side of the hospital building until being removed later.

While the hospital remained operational during the emergency, people were asked to avoid the area where possible.

A hospital staff member, who did not want to be named, told the Weekender that word of the incident spread quickly internally.

“We heard that the woman driving may have suffered from a medical episode that caused it all,” the staff member said.

“Our head of department rang us pretty quickly to say to not go out the west block exit, so we didn’t have it see it. The whole thing is very sad for all those involved.”

CCTV footage of the incident is understood to be available and will form a crucial part of the investigation.