The woman who died when she was hit by a utility vehicle in Jerrabomberra on 17 November has been identified.
Colleagues at Tourism Canberra revealed it was Jerrabomberra local Jackie McKeown, who was near home at the time.
Jackie is survived by husband Shaun, and sons Jake, 11, and Archie, 9.
A message has been posted on the Jerrabomberra Community Noticeboard on behalf of the family.
“I can now share within the community that Jackie McKeown was tragically taken from us all, which I know has impacted all within Jerrabomberra, as well as the wider Canberra community,” the post said.
“Jackie was heavily involved with VisitCanberra tourism as the director of visitor services and both Shaun and Jackie (are) involved within the community with their boys attending school and sports participation.”
The post said that Shaun, Jake and Archie were deeply saddened by their loss.
“But also wish to extend their absolutely heartfelt thanks for all the support they have received from those who knew Jackie, but also those within the community who didn’t,” they said.
“The outpouring of support has deeply touched them all (including Jackie’s parents, brother and closest friends, as well as Shaun’s parents).”
The post said a memorial service would be held in Canberra at a location, and the date is yet to be decided. The post will be updated on the social media page.
“Thank you for the amazing memorial created on Bicentennial Ave, it has made all those impacted love the Jerra community even more than we already did,” the post said.
A statement by VisitCanberra said Jackie was a much-loved tourism industry colleague and friend.
“Our deepest sympathies are with Jackie’s family – her husband Shaun and her boys Jake and Archie,” the statement said.
“This news comes as a tremendous shock to the team at VisitCanberra, and particularly the close-knit team at the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre (CRVC), which was so brilliantly led by Jackie over the last three years as director of visitor services.
“But we have all lost a cherished and respected member of our Canberra tourism family. Jackie’s relationships and contributions across the local tourism industry extend widely – and so our thoughts go out to all who knew and worked with Jackie.
“Please lean on each other for support at this very difficult time.
“Farewell Jackie – you leave such a positive legacy, and you will be terribly missed by us all.”
The visitor centre was closed on Monday, 18 November, as a mark of respect for Jackie.
As previously reported by CD, a 48-year-old woman has died after being hit by a utility vehicle in Jerrabomberra on Sunday 17 November.
At about 8:15am, emergency services were called to Bicentennial Drive, but the woman had already died at the scene after being struck by a silver Nissan Navara ute.
NSW Police were informed that the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle – a 54-year-old woman – had also allegedly hit a white Toyota Hilux parked at the scene.
The driver was taken to Canberra Hospital with minor injuries where she underwent undergo mandatory testing.
