The parents of Jack Davey have delivered a moving tribute to their “champion” boy following his tragic death in Tuesday’s horrific crash at Auburn South Primary School.
Father Michael Davey, standing with Jack’s mother Jayde outside the school in eastern Melbourne, said the family were “overwhelmed” by the support they had received following the crash, which took the life of Jack and injured four other children.
“Words can’t adequately describe the utter devastation we feel as we come to terms with the sudden, overwhelming loss of our Jack,” he said on Thursday.
“Son, brother and friend to many.
“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.
“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 tragedy unfolded just after 2.30pm when a white SUV travelling on Burgess St left the road and crashed through the school fence, hitting Jack and his friends.
Paramedics rushed Jack to hospital with critical injuries and he later died at the hospital.
Three girls – two aged 11 and one aged 10 – as well as a 10-year-old boy were also taken to hospital with serious injuries.
Mr Davey said the actions of the hospital staff would “never be forgotten” by his family.
“We extend thanks to the unbelievable staff at the Royal Children’s Hospital who did their job so amazingly,” he said.
“Providing Jack with life and sustaining his life as long as they could.
“Their compassion and humanity in our darkest hour will never be forgotten.”
He thanked the broader school community and the actions of the first responders.
“We wish to thank Auburn South Primary School. Marcus, all the teachers, students, parents, and the parents association. We are overwhelmed.
“The first responders, paramedics, the police and the public, who assisted in the immediate aftermath of the accident and who fought tirelessly to save Jack’s precious life. We can never be grateful enough.”
Mr Davey also praised the school’s receptionist who stayed with Jack after the crash and comforted him “the entire time”.
“Our words are inadequate,” he said.
The police arrested the 40-year-old woman who drove the SUV and interviewed her on Tuesday. She suffered a broken nose in the accident and has since been released pending further inquiries.
The tragedy has shocked the community, state and nation.
Many people, including Victorian Deputy Premier Ben Carroll, could be seen laying tributes outside the school on Wednesday.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers said his heart broke for Jack’s family and the other children injured in the crash.
“We know how much that community is hurting, that school community is hurting,” Mr Chalmers said.
“(It’s) horrendous, a horrible accident, and we will work through the usual processes, primarily the state government but we will work through the usual processes to respond to make sure that kids can be as safe as they can be in communities like this one.”
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said messages of support had poured into the east Melbourne community from every part of the state.
“We’ve seen the very best of Victorians, as this tragedy has touched every corner of our state, every community,” she said.
“There has been messages of support that have come from every community and every corner of our state, and I want to thank Victorians for that.
“Speaking to the principal … they are feeling that support, they are feeling that love, and they’re going to need to continue to have that love and support over the coming days, weeks and months ahead because this will be a long journey as the school works through the aftermath and the impact of this tragedy that has hit their school on what should have been a normal Tuesday afternoon.”
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