Friends of Alexander and Bridget Jones and the unnamed woman who died in the Carlton wall collapse pay their respects at the site. Picture: Chris Scott Source: Herald Sun
THE parents of a teenager who died trying to save his sister from a wall collapse in Carlton have spoken of their "overwhelming loss".
Ian and Sue Jones - in a statement released - thanked the strangers who desperately tried to rescue their "beautiful children".
Their son, Alexander, 19, has been hailed a hero after leaping to protect his sister, Bridget, 18, from falling debris during the tragedy in Swanston St on Thursday.
The devastated parents have barely left their daughter's hospital bedside as she lies in a coma battling for her life.
"We are overwhelmed at the loss of our son, Alexander, and are very distressed to see our critically ill daughter in the hospital," their statement reads.
Bridget and Alexander with parents Ian and Susan.
Alexander and Bridget are the Joneses' only children and friends said they were "totally devoted" to them.
The statement was released as scores of friends paid tribute at the scene of the tragedy.
Mr and Mrs Jones, both 57, from Montmorency, praised the efforts of passers-by who tried to rescue their children, as well as the work of Royal Melbourne Hospital staff who performed surgery on Bridget on Friday.
"We understand people who were passing by and the emergency services did everything that they could and we are so grateful these people tried their best for our children," the couple's statement says.
Thu 28/03/2013: A man and a woman are dead after a brick wall collapsed at the Grocon site
A woman in her 30s - believed to be a foreign student - was also killed in the wall collapse.
It is understood she has no family in Australia.
Friends of the siblings left flowers and mementos in a makeshift shrine at the site of the former CUB brewery.
Touchingly, a neighbour saw Bridget kiss her mother goodbye the day before the tragic event: "Sue and Ian were just totally devoted to their children. Not so long ago Ian was here speaking for an hour about how well they were both doing at uni - he was so proud of them."
Alex Jones died trying to save his sister Bridget from a wall collapse in Carlton.
Friends from Alexander and Bridget's former school, Montmorency Secondary College, held a vigil at the scene.
Principal Allan Robinson said of the former school captain: "He was an incredible young man, thoroughly respected and admired by every student and every member of staff at Montmorency Secondary College."
Alexander's friends took turns to write their own stories and tributes to the man they nicknamed Zander, who had aspirations to become prime minister of Australia.
One friend called Alexander, known as "Prime Minister Giggles", "a prince among men".
Friends of Alexander and Bridget Jones and the unnamed woman who died in the Carlton wall collapse pay their respects at the site. Picture: Chris Scott
Many said they would miss the arts student's cheeky grin and "that laugh". A soccer ball and Carlton AFL teddy bear were left.
"I can't describe my pain in words," a friend, Riley, wrote in a tribute.
"You were our light and glue that held us together."
Friend Eric Goon called Alex an "amazing man". "He and Bridget were really close. It was typical Zander to be walking her to class."
Former teacher George Ghobrial said the "gifted" student was destined for great things.
"I taught him science and he was just perfect. He did very well academically; but not only that, he was a wonderful person with lots of friends.
"I taught Bridget the year after and she was the same - a lovely person.
"It is so sad."
WorkSafe, the State Coroner, Victoria Police and Grocon, which owns the site, have launched investigations.
- with Rebekah Cavanagh
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