The family of a 43-year-old Victorian kindergarten aide who died saving preschool children from an out-of-control truck says she was "the light of our lives".
The woman was earlier identified as 43-year-old Eleanor Bryant.
The kindergarten aide threw herself into the path of the oncoming tanker after it crashed through a fence in Melbourne's northwest on Monday.
A three-year-old boy was taken to the Royal Children's Hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
The trucking company whose vehicle was involved reported that the driver suffered a "medical incident".
Bryant's family paid tribute this afternoon, saying they were "devastated by the loss of our beautiful Eleanor".
The family's statement read: "She was the light of our lives: a cherished mother, wife, daughter and sister, and beloved by all her family and enormous network of friends.
"Her infectious smile, sense of humour and passion for life made her a joy to be around. There is an enormous hole in our hearts today.
"We thank the emergency services for their tireless work and the public for their beautiful tributes. We will miss her like crazy."
Earlier today, Today Show presenter and family friend Alex Cullen remembered Bryant as "an amazing woman" who "lit up every room she was in".
"There are people in this world who you can't quite believe are so kind, so generous, so wonderful and caring. Eleanor Bryant ... was one of those people," Cullen said.
Bryant and Cullen grew up together in Coonamble in central-west New South Wales.
In a tearful tribute, he described her as having a "knack for giving you that sense that everything will be OK".
"It does not surprise me one bit that Eleanor pushed those school kids out of the way to ultimately save their lives. She always put others first and was a great example to all of us," he said.
Children and teachers were outside on the playground when a McKenzie Water truck driven by a 68-year-old man ploughed through the fence.
Alan McKenzie, owner of McKenzie Water, said, "We are in shock and offer our heartfelt condolences to everyone involved. This is an incredibly distressing time, and our deepest sympathies go to those involved, their families, and friends."
Bryant, a speech pathologist, was also a mother to an 11-year-old boy and a nine-year-old girl.
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