The father of a young boy killed when a car ploughed through a primary school fence has broken his silence on the tragedy, as new details emerge about the driver.
Jack Davey, 11, was sitting with his friends on an outdoor bench at Auburn South Primary School, in Melbourne’s east, on Tuesday afternoon when a Toyota SUV ploughed through the fence and into the group of Year 5 students.
Jack suffered critical injuries and died on the way to hospital.
Four other children – including two 11-year-old girls, a 10-year-old boy and a 10-year-old girl – were seriously injured and remain in hospital.
The driver, a 40-year-old woman and recent P-plate licence holder, had just collected her child from the school when she performed a U-turn and ploughed into the fence.
Police are investigating what caused the mother to lose control of her car, however it is understood she suffered a medical episode while performing the U-turn.
The Hawthorn East mother was arrested and released following a police interview, with no charges laid.
The woman had attended a two-hour meeting at the school prior to the crash, but details around the meeting remain unclear, 7NEWS reported.
Jack Davey, 11, suffered critical injuries when he was struck by the Toyota SUV while sitting on a bench outside at the Auburn South Primary School, in Melbourne ‘s east
Jack has been remembered by his local footy club as the school community mourns his loss
It is understood the 40-year-old driver, and recent P-plate licence holder, suffered a medical episode when performing a U-turn before ploughing into the school fence
Jack’s father, Mike Davey, issued a heartfelt tribute to his son on Thursday morning.
‘Our beautiful son. A shooting star who blessed us for 11 years with love, friendship and kindness,’ Mr Davey wrote.
You were my inspiration and motivation. I cannot comprehend the life ahead without you. My mate, my champ, my Jackie-boi. Godspeed, until we meet again… I love you.’
The local council has organised a community support hub at a nearby park set to be open from Thursday through to Sunday.
‘We invite community members to come together and access support and referral services during this difficult time,’ 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 GoFundMe created to help the Davey family has been inundated with support, with donations from thousands of Australians from across the country.
By Thursday morning the fund surpassed its $110,000 goal and had read – at the time of writing – $135,870.
Organiser Lucy Pristel described Jack as a valued member of the Titans basketball community and Gladiators football club, as well as a keen futsal player.
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.
An emotional Ms Pristel, whose son was a close friend of Jack and played on the same basketball, said the outpouring of support was been incredible.
‘We just want them (Davey family) to do what they need to do, to be honest with you,’ Ms Pristel told Sunrise on Thursday.
‘All we want to do is let them know that we are so behind them and we support them any way that we possibly can. We just want them to know that they are so, so loved.’
Ms Pristel said the crash was ‘every person’s worst nightmare’ and that the fund was the best thing the community could do for the family as they process the tragedy.
‘You never plan for something like this… It’s every person’s worst nightmare,’ Ms Pristel said.
‘We just wanted to relieve some pressure for them. Nothing will change. The pain they are going through, the pain they will always go through. We wanted to ease it a bit for them.
‘In your wildest dreams you just can’t [imagine]. There are just no words.’
The Hawthorn East mother was arrested and released following a police interview, with no charges laid
Pictured, a student placing a floral tribute just metres from the crash site
A GoFundMe created for the Davey family has received an outpouring of support and surpassed its $110,000 goal
Ms Pristel choked back tears as she explained her son and his friends wanted to go to school to be with each other as they deal with the loss of their friend Jack.
She described Jack as a gorgeous and sweet little boy who loved his sport and would do ‘anything for anyone’.
Touching tributes have also been shared online and hundreds of flowers have been placed outside the primary school just metres from the crash site
On Wednesday, 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,’ Mr Wicher told reporters.
The school is open and extra support services available, including extra teachers from neighbouring schools as well as pastoral and counselling services.
