<div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The heartbroken parents of a toddler who was tragically hit and killed by a car in south-west </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/victoria" rel="" target="" title="Victoria"><span>Victoria</span></a><span> last week have paid tribute to their "beautiful" daughter.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Three-year-old Heidi died after a driver allegedly accelerated out of a library carpark on Presidents Avenue in Ocean Grove just before 5pm on Friday.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Her parents, Nathan and Liesl, today expressed their "deep anguish" at the loss of their daughter, but thanked locals for the "many expressions of love and support" they have received.</span></div></div><div><div id="adspot-mobile-medium"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/exercise-before-bed-linked-to-disruptive-sleep-study-finds/ea0704e3-a865-4d9a-9d41-817c5175e5a2" target="_blank"><strong><span>Exercise before bed linked to disruptive sleep</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Since last Friday, the outpouring of love has been beyond description," the family said in a statement.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"At the scene of the tragic accident there were many passers-by and wonderful individuals from local businesses who offered Liesl comfort and support.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Likewise, the paramedics and police showed incredible compassion and care."</span></div></div><div><div class="OUTBRAIN" data-reactroot="" data-src="//www.9news.com.au/national/ocean-grove-tragedy-parents-family-statement/46f781bb-5497-48b9-aa48-815eb286455c" data-widget-id="AR_5"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/victoria-melbourne-ocean-grove-community-grieves-three-year-old-fatally-struck-by-accelerating-car/7c3fe5ed-5711-4136-9487-7ee325b9792e" rel="" target="" title="A floral tribute for the little girl"><span>A floral tribute for the little girl</span></a><span> has grown at the scene of the crash.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"The support of the local community and many from across Australia and abroad has been overwhelming," the family said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"They have received and read the many cards and messages left at the scene of the accident and treasure each one."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Heidi has been remembered as a "beautiful" little girl who loved to sing.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/easter-long-weekend-weather-forecast-2025-state-by-state-guide-australia/9dc372c8-4492-461a-b89c-84c6bc4f11b6" target="_blank"><strong><span>Almost every state and territory is expecting rain over Easter long weekend</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Her favourite song (was) </span><em><span>This Little Light of Mine, I'm Gonna Let It Shine,"</span></em><span> the family said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Heidi has been shining her light into the lives of her family and the lives of all who met her throughout her three-and-a-half years."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The family said it will be able to move forward "with the love and support of their family, friends, church community and their faith in their loving God".</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Nathan and Leisl also expressed "deep concern" for the 71-year-old alleged driver involved in the accident, adding that they were "praying she is receiving the love and support she needs".</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The Ocean Grove woman was arrested and taken to hospital for mandatory blood and alcohol testing following the deadly crash.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>After extensive questioning, she was released pending further inquiries.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>There is no update on the police investigation into Heidi's death.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/how-to-follow-9news-digital/29855bb1-ad3d-4c38-bc25-3cb52af1216f"><em><strong><span>DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP</span></strong></em></a><em><strong><span>: Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. 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