Friends leave flowers for Bridget Jones after hearing of her death. Picture: Andrew Brownbill Source: Herald Sun
THE devastated parents of two teenagers killed by Thursday's freak wall collapse have spoken of their ''kind-hearted and respectful'' children.
Bridget Jones, who was critically injured in the collapse, lost her fight for life in hospital this morning - three days after her brother Alexander was killed during the tragedy.
''We were so very proud of both of our children,'' Montmorency couple Ian and Sue Jones said in a statement just hours after Bridget lost her battle to survive from severe head injuries.
"They were always kind-hearted and respectful. They had a wide network of friends and yet were both very close to each other.''
Bridget, 18, died in Royal Melbourne Hospital with her parents by her bedside about 6.30am.
Eighteen-year-old Bridget Jones has died, becoming the third person killed by a Melbourne wall collapse.
Alexander and Bridget were both studying arts at Melbourne University.
Mr and Mrs Jones said Alexander was planning on studying law and perhaps going into politics, while Bridget was considering becoming a teacher.
''They loved sport, particularly tennis, which they played since they were five, and all different genres of music,'' they said.
Friends have left flowers for Bridget Jones after hearing of her death. Picture: Andrew Brownbill
''Alexander and Bridget were keen Blues supporters and were on their way to meet their father for the first Carlton game of the season when this terrible tragedy happened.''
Alexander, 19, had been hailed a hero after leaping to protect Bridget from falling debris during the tragedy in Swanston St on Thursday.
Police said the other woman killed is yet to be formally identified, but she is believed to be a Mount Waverley woman aged in her 30s. Her next of kin have been notified.
An audit of crumbling facades on Victorian building sites is one of four urgent investigations being undertaken after three people, including a brother and sister, were killed by a collapsing wall in Melbourne.
Friends of Alexander and Bridget Jones and the unnamed woman who died in the Carlton wall collapse pay their respects at the site. Picture: Chris Scott
The Victorian Government has ordered the building commission to examine similar walls around the state.
"This is a terrible tragedy and our thoughts and prayers are with the family," Premier Denis Napthine said.
"This incident will be fully investigated by the coroner and other relevant authorities."
Victoria Police will also complete an investigation, as will WorkSafe and Grocon, the owner of the site.
Friends of Alexander and Bridget Jones and the unnamed woman who died in the Carlton wall collapse pay their respects at the site. Picture: Chris Scott
Yesterday, Alexander and Bridget's parents spoke of their "overwhelming loss" and thanked the strangers who desperately tried to rescue their "beautiful children".
"We are overwhelmed at the loss of our son, Alexander, and are very distressed to see our critically ill daughter in the hospital," the said in a statement.
The statement was released as scores of friends paid tribute at the scene of the tragedy.
Mr and Mrs Jones, both 57, praised the efforts of passers-by who tried to rescue their children, as well as the work of Royal Melbourne Hospital staff who performed surgery on Bridget on Friday.
Bridget and Alexander with parents Ian and Susan.
"We understand people who were passing by and the emergency services did everything that they could and we are so grateful these people tried their best for our children," the couple's statement says.
Police are continuing to appeal for any further witnesses or anyone else injured as a result of the wall collapse to come forward.
A number of people have already contacted investigators since Friday's appeal.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au
Friends of the siblings left flowers and mementos in a makeshift shrine at the site of the former CUB brewery.
Touchingly, a neighbour saw Bridget kiss her mother goodbye the day before the tragic event: "Sue and Ian were just totally devoted to their children. Not so long ago Ian was here speaking for an hour about how well they were both doing at uni - he was so proud of them."
Alex Jones died trying to save his sister Bridget from a wall collapse in Carlton.
Friends from Alexander and Bridget's former school, Montmorency Secondary College, held a vigil at the scene.
Principal Allan Robinson said of the former school captain: "He was an incredible young man, thoroughly respected and admired by every student and every member of staff at Montmorency Secondary College."
Alexander's friends took turns to write their own stories and tributes to the man they nicknamed Zander, who had aspirations to become prime minister of Australia.
One friend called Alexander, known as "Prime Minister Giggles", "a prince among men".
Many said they would miss the arts student's cheeky grin and "that laugh". A soccer ball and Carlton AFL teddy bear were left.
"I can't describe my pain in words," a friend, Riley, wrote in a tribute.
"You were our light and glue that held us together."
Gillian Goldsworthy wrote on a Facebook tribute page: "Absolutely devastated to hear that Bridget lost her fight for life. Words cannot express my sadness at Ian and Sue's loss. Our thoughts are with you."
Monika Vulevu Cushe posted: "R.I.P Bridget Jones - heaven has a new angel. Together with your loving brother."
Friend Eric Goon called Alex an "amazing man". "He and Bridget were really close. It was typical Zander to be walking her to class."
Former teacher George Ghobrial said the "gifted" student was destined for great things.
"I taught him science and he was just perfect. He did very well academically; but not only that, he was a wonderful person with lots of friends.
"I taught Bridget the year after and she was the same - a lovely person.
"It is so sad."
- with James Dowling, Jon Kaila
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