The children of Carmen Marie Yanko - the innocent victim who died during a police pursuit in Nelson - have spoken out about their heartbreak.
Yanko was believed to be travelling to a Sunday market where she operated a stall when she was killed. It is understood the 53-year-old was also a cancer survivor.
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Her children said they were "heartbroken and reeling from this senseless tragedy that occurred early yesterday morning".
"She lived to be a mother and was there for us always," they said.
"Carmen loved and lived fiercely and will be terribly missed by her family and friends."
One online tribute said she was "taken because some idiots think they're above the law".
Messages of love and support are being shared online for the family of the innocent woman, who was killed near Nelson yesterday when a car feeling police crashed into her vehicle.
One man sent his deepest condolences to Yanko's family saying he was "so sorry to hear this news", another said "thinking of you mate".
Another message written on a relative's Facebook page said "I feel for you so much. All my love to you and your family."
Another tribute described the 53-year-old as a "special lady" who always made people feel welcome in her home.
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