The devastated parents of a young boy killed in Tuesday afternoon’s tragic crash at a Melbourne primary school have described their little boy as “our champion”.
Jack Davey, 11, died when a car smashed through a fence and into a schoolyard, striking a group of Auburn South Primary School students sitting at a table.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Father delivers moving tribute to his boy who passed away.
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Four students were seriously injured but Year 5 student Jack was left critical and died on the way to the hospital.
Speaking outside the school on Thursday, his family said they have taken comfort in the messages of love for their boy, who left a positive mark on everyone he met.
“We find comfort in reading the many messages and memories of Jack and how his life and energy was a positive influence on so many in the community at just 11 years old,” dad Michael Davey said.
“Personally, he is our champion. He is our beloved son and brother who remains very much alive in our hearts and memories as we piece together our lives with his spirit going forward.”
The family thanked the school receptionist and former emergency department nurse, Millie, who stayed with Jack and provided him comfort after he was injured.
They acknowledged the first responders and emergency care staff for their compassion and humanity in the family’s darkest hour.
And there was appreciation too for the community that had wrapped its arms around the family, “providing comfort, peace and support in a time of unspeakable tragedy”.
His sisters visited the school — where students have written chalk messages all over the grounds — dressed in the cheer uniform of Jack’s basketball team.
He was an avid player and a futsal star in the making.
“He was always one of my first names to pick for our Victorian teams and then he was lucky enough off of his last nationals to be chosen for the Australian team, his coach Anthony Brown said.
Brown said Jack was a “coach’s dream” who brightened up training sessions.
Two 11-year-old girls, a 10-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy were seriously injured and taken to hospital.
One child has been discharged while the others remain in a stable condition.
The driver of the SUV, a 40-year-old woman, had just collected her child from the school in Melbourne’s east and attempted a U-turn when the crash happened.
The Hawthorn East mother was taken into custody and released following a police interview, with no charges laid.
7NEWS can reveal investigators have been going through a mechanical reconstruction, scientifically probing things like the angle of the driver’s seat, gear stick movements and speed.
Police will match their findings to the driver’s version of events.
The local council has organised a community support hub at a nearby park set to be open from Thursday to Sunday.
“We invite community members to come together and access support and referral services during this difficult time,” the City of Boroondara posted to social media.
“Our hearts go out to the families, friends and the entire school community who are grappling with this devastating loss.”
A fundraiser for Jack’s family, organised by the mother of one of the boy’s friends, has grown to more than $200,000 by Thursday evening.
The money is intended to support the family with costs related to the loss of their son and to allow them to take time away from work.
Auburn South Principal Marcus Wicher said there had been an “overwhelming” response since the tragedy, with remarkable courage and care shown.
“This school community is so wonderful and strong; together we will get through this,” Wicher told reporters on Wednesday.
The school is open and extra support services are available, including extra teachers from neighbouring schools and pastoral and counselling services.
– With AAP