An Australian nurse has been killed in a tragic accident while on holiday with friends in Italy.

32-year-old Chani Knopf, who was from Terrigal, NSW, was struck by a car while walking across the street at a pedestrian crossing in Montagnana, Italy.

She was placed into a coma before being airlifted to Padua University Hospital, and passed away shortly after on September 3.

Knopf’s best friend, Melissa Wellman, told news.com.au that she she was surrounded by an “incredible” group of friends during her final days.

Her friends were all doctors and immediately rushed to the scene to help, following the horrific accident that left her with “catastrophic injuries”/

“They stayed by Chani’s bedside every day while waiting for her parents to arrive in Italy,” Wellman said.

“They played her favourite music, surrounded her with love and spoke messages from the people who loved her to her right up until her final moments.

“They are incredible people and were incredible friends to Chani. I will always be so grateful that she had them there with her.”

Her heartbroken parents, Susan and Ger, travelled from Australia to Italy to be with their daughter in her final hours.

A GoFundMe has since been created to help ease the financial burden on her family, raising over $56k of the $50k goal.

“Our beautiful Chani was involved in an accident while she was travelling and suffered catastrophic injuries,” the fundraiser said.

“Chani’s sudden passing has left a hole in the lives of so many.

“Those who knew Chani would know that she walked through life with such contagious joy, love and generosity of spirit.

“Chani gave her time, energy, kindness and support to others without ever expecting anything in return. This will always be her legacy.”

“This GoFundMe has been created to help ease the unexpected financial burden surrounding this tragedy and create an opportunity for those whose lives were touched by Chani to support those dear to her,” Ms Wellman said via the fundraiser. 

“The hope is to provide her parents with some financial breathing room so they can take the time they need to grieve, as they grapple with this unimaginable loss.

“Most importantly, the fundraiser is a way for the community to surround Chani’s family with the same love, generosity and support that Chani gave so freely throughout her life.”

Image: GoFundMe