Victorian Labor senator Kimberley Kitching dies suddenly in Melbourne aged 52
Victorian Labor senator Kimberley Kitching has died suddenly in the Melbourne suburb of Strathmore.
Key points:
The ABC understands Senator Kitching died of a suspected heart attack
Labor Leader Anthony Albanese says the party is "in shock" over her sudden death
Bill Shorten described Senator Kitching as having "serene intellect" and "incredible warmth"
The ABC understands Senator Kitching, 52, died of a suspected heart attack on Thursday afternoon.
She began feeling unwell while driving between two meetings and pulled over before calling her husband, Andrew Landeryou.
An ambulance was called but she could not be resuscitated and died near to where her vehicle was parked.
Labor leader Anthony Albanese said the party was "in shock" over her sudden death and she would be "deeply missed by us all".
"All of us in the Labor family are in shock tonight at the sudden death of our friend and colleague, senator Kimberley Kitching," Mr Albanese said.
"We have lost one of our own, far too young."
"Kimberley gave so much. She had so very much ahead of her.
"Kimberley had such a larger-than-life personality that it is tragic that her bright light has gone out far too early.
"Our thoughts now are now with her family and all who loved her, especially her husband Andrew."
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Senator Kitching was "a parliamentarian in the truest sense" and "deeply respected by the Coalition".
"She demonstrated that her passion for her country was always greater than any partisan view," he said.
"She clearly loved her country and it genuinely showed."
Deputy Labor leader Richard Marles said: "Nothing can describe the shock and sadness of this news."
"I have known Kimberley as a friend for over 30 years. Words cannot express the sadness of this moment," he said.
"The Labor Party, the Senate and the country have lost a unique power."
Former Labor leader Bill Shorten said Senator Kitching's passing was "an immense loss to Labor and the nation".
"To know Kimberley was to be touched, not just by her serene intellect, but her incredible warmth and vivacity," Mr Shorten said in a statement.
"As a Labor senator she was relentlessly energetic and conscientious, recently resulting in international recognition for her human rights work.
"As well as her innumerable accolades she has been a wonderful friend to myself, my wife Chloe, and our family."
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-03-10/victorian-labor-senator-kimberley-kitching-dies/100900882