Mary Evelyn Edmonds: Tributes flow for ‘beautiful’ cyclist killed in horror Bunbury bus crash

Heartbroken members of WA’s cycling community have paid tribute to a “beautiful soul” who was killed after being struck by a bus with school children on board in Bunbury this week. Australind resident Mary Evelyn Edmonds, 63, was riding her bicycle with her husband and a friend along the footpath on Ocean Drive at 8.30am on Tuesday when the two women were hit by the bus. Police said Mrs Edmonds died from her injuries at the scene, while the other cyclist, 64-year-old Sharon Veleff, was taken to hospital in Perth with non-life threatening injuries. The 66-year-old bus driver received treatment for what police described as a “medical episode”. Four school children were on board the bus but were not injured. Mrs Edmonds’ husband Frank was cycling behind the pair and was not directly involved in the accident. The grandmother and mother-of-four has been remembered as a “lovely lady” who brightened people’s days with her smile. Cycle Touring Association of WA member Trevor Knox said in a statement that the death of Mrs Edmonds was a “tragic loss” for the club and all who knew her. “For those of us who shared many happy times in Mary’s company during tours together here in WA, the Eastern States and overseas, we all know what a beautiful person she was and her presence will be sadly missed,” he said. “Our hearts go out to Frank and his family in having to deal with the aftermath of this tragic accident. “Please also keep in your thoughts Mary’s sister and fellow club member Jacinta... along with our best wishes to Sharon as she recovers from the trauma of the event and the convalescence from her injuries.” Locals have continued to pay tribute to Mrs Edmonds, with more flowers laid at the crash site today. Australind resident Roselyn Scolaro told the Herald that she knew Mary from her time as a local shop owner and she was well-loved among the community. “She was a beautiful woman who owned Australind Fashions for many years when we were all young mums and her shop was so convenient for us, as well as Mary being so warming each time you visited,” she said. “I didn’t know her outside of our shopping adventures, but we always still 30 years later had a chat, shared family stories when we crossed paths. “She was very well known and loved by many and it’s just so, so sad.” A flood of social media tributes have described Mrs Edmonds as a “beautiful soul” who will be missed by many. “Devastated. Will forever remember your chats with mum while trawling dresses at Australind Fashion. RIP,” one Bunbury resident wrote. “Will miss your smiling face when we see you walking around our lovely estuary, Rest In Peace Mary,” another woman said. Major crash detectives are investigating the incident but police have not detailed why they believe the crash occurred.