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

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

Daily Mail · 1 hour ago

Chani Knopf, a 32-year-old registered nurse from Terrigal on the NSW Central Coast, has died after being struck by a car while crossing a pedestrian crossing in Montagnana, northern Italy, on 30 August. She had been in the Padua region to attend a friend's wedding and had extended her stay with a group of friends when the collision occurred; she was airlifted to hospital and placed in an induced coma before dying on 3 September, with her parents by her side after rushing from Australia to reach her.

Ms Knopf, who had worked at Gosford Hospital since 2021, was an organ donor, and her donation gave seven young Italians a second chance at life, something her family has said brings them comfort given her career caring for others. Friends travelling with her performed first aid at the scene and stayed by her hospital bed until her parents arrived, and she has since been remembered by loved ones, including her best friend of 16 years, Melissa Wellman, as generous and full of joy. An online fundraiser to support her family has raised more than $55,000, and Italian police are continuing to investigate the crash, with Ms Knopf's parents saying they do not blame the driver, who stopped to help.

  • Australian nurse, 32, dies after being hit by car in Italy
  • Her organ donation saved seven young Italians' lives
  • Fundraiser for her family has topped $55,000

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