Australian nurse dies while on holiday in Italy and saves seven lives with organ donation

A young Australian nurse has died from catastrophic injuries after being hit by a car while holidaying in northern Italy.

Chani Knopf, 32, from Terrigal on the NSW Central Coast, was in the Padua province for a friend’s wedding when she was struck while crossing the road at a pedestrian crossing.

She and a group of friends she was travelling with had extended their stay and visited Montagnana, where tragedy struck on August 30.

The Gosford Hospital nurse was airlifted to hospital and placed in an induced coma but died five days later, on September 3.

She was surrounded by her parents, Susan and Ger, who made a mercy dash from their home on the NSW South Coast to be by her side.

They remain in Italy, where they are preparing to bring their daughter’s body home.

Ms Knopf was an organ donor who gave seven young Italians another chance at life.

‘It feels incredibly fitting for Chani, who loved life so deeply and dedicated her career to caring for others,’ her best friend Melissa Wellman told news.com.au.

‘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 friends Ms Knopf was travelling with performed first aid at the scene and remained at her hospital bedside until her parents arrived.

‘They played her favourite music, surrounded her with love and spoke messages from the people who loved her right up until her final moments,’ Ms Wellman added.

‘They are incredible people and were incredible friends to Chani. I will always be so grateful that she had them there with her.’

Ms Knopf has been remembered as a ray of sunshine who took chances, loved deeply and made the most of the time she had.

She had worked at Gosford Hospital since 2021.

Ms Knopf and her best friend of 16 years had planned to be each other’s maids of honour and for their future children to grow up together.

‘Chani’s tragic death has left a hole in the lives of so many,’ Ms Wellman wrote on an online fundraiser.

‘Those that knew Chani would know that she walked through life with such contagious joy, love and generosity of spirit.

‘Chani gave her time, energy, kindness and support to others without ever expecting anything in return. This will always be her legacy.’

The fundraiser set up to ease the unexpected financial burden on Ms Knopf’s family has surpassed $55,000.

‘The fundraiser is a way for the community to surround Chani’s family with the same love, generosity and support that Chani gave so freely throughout her life,’ Ms Wellman wrote.

‘Sending love to all of her family and friends at this time. How lucky are we to have known and loved her.’  

Police investigations into the fatal collision continue.

Ms Knopf’s parents have placed no blame on the driver, who stopped and provided assistance after the collision.