Driver at the centre of horrific truck crash which killed kindergarten worker is identified – as heartwarming video of the tragic teacher’s aide emerges after she selflessly saved her young students

A photo has emerged of the driver whose water tanker rammed into a kindergarten, killing a heroic teacher who pulled children out of harm’s way instead of saving themselves.

Frank Castellucci was behind the wheel of a water tanker semi-trailer that veered off the road and into the playground at the Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool in Riddells Creek, northwest of Melbourne, on Monday afternoon.

Eleanore Bryant, 43, who died trying to move children out of the tanker’s path, is remembered as a hero in ‘life and death’ and a gifted speech therapist.

Bec Burton has shared a heartwarming video of Mrs Bryant with her deaf daughter Milla.

Mrs. Bryant rewarded the delighted child with a spin in her arms after Milla got a word right.

“We are beyond devastated and are struggling to understand the loss of such a beautiful soul,” Ms Burton wrote online

Mrs. Bryant has been Milla’s speech therapist since she was three years old.

“The dedication, patience and love she has given Milla when she came to our home and now school every week has changed her life,” Mrs Burton continued.

“She wouldn’t be where she is today without this wonderful lady.

“Thank you for always believing in Milla and showing her how much you care.”

On Channel Nine’s A Current Affair on Tuesday night, Ms Burton said Eleanor was not “just a therapist”.

“She loved Milla and she became part of her family who came to our home every week,” Mrs Burton said.

“If it meant doing the lesson under the table, she would go and play under the table in the dollhouse with her. She found a way to make learning fun and Miller just liked her.”

Mrs Burton revealed her daughter would call Monday ‘Eleanor Day’.

“She was a hero in life and a hero in death,” Ms Burton said of the mother of two.

Victorian Police Commissioner Shane Patton told Nine that Castellucci remains in hospital but will be interviewed as soon as possible.

It is understood Mr Castellucci suffered a medical episode which caused him to lose control of his vehicle.

Alan McKenzie, the owner of McKenzie Water, where Castellucci was employed as a driver, said they have been unable to contact the injured man, possibly because police seized his phone.

However, the boss revealed to Nine that he is not aware of any medical condition suffered by Mr Castellucci that may have caused the accident.

Mr McKenzie added that his small business was ‘extremely saddened and equally stunned by the tragedy’.

Mrs Bryant’s family released a statement saying they were “devastated by the loss of our beautiful Eleanor” and that it had “left a hole in their hearts.”

‘She was the light of our lives: a beloved mother, wife, daughter and sister, and loved by all her family and vast network of friends.

“Her infectious smile, sense of humor and passion for life made her a pleasure to be around.

‘There is a huge hole in our hearts today.

‘We thank the emergency services for their tireless efforts and the public for their beautiful tribute.

“We will miss her immensely.”

A Gofundme page organized by James Wagstaff has raised over $51,000 of its stated goal of $80,000, with the money going towards supporting ‘Eleanor’s beautiful children into the future’.

An outpouring of grief was also seen on Tuesday afternoon outside the nursery school where Mrs Bryant – known to some children as ‘Nor Nor’ – lost her life.

Dozens of mourners walked down the sidewalk to the front of the kindergarten to lay floral tributes, some standing right by the mangled fence through which the water tanker drove through and into the playground.

Teacher Caitriona Goldsworthy said Ms Bryant was doing her job when tragedy struck.

“She had a wealth of knowledge, but she also worked with kids at our school and that’s what she did here,” she said.

Local man Walter Lucas described Mrs Bryant as a “superhero” for her brave actions.

Mr Lucas had just been across the road when he witnessed the bloody aftermath of the crash.

‘She’s a hero. She is a local hero,” he said. “She saved that child’s life to save her own life. She’s a real hero.

“That child will now live for the rest of her life, and for her to take her life for that child really means a lot. It means a lot. She is more than a hero. She’s a superhero.’

Mr Lucas, whose mother was Ms Bryant’s best friend, said her loss would be felt by the local community for a long time.

“She loved the little kids here,” he added. “She loved spending time with everyone and when we found out it was here it obviously really hit home.

‘She was a nice person, two lovely children. Obviously everyone is still shocked and still wondering how it could have happened.’

The boy rescued by Ms Bryant was taken to the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne with serious injuries to his arm.