The heartbroken father of a Melbourne boy who was killed when a car smashed through the fence of his primary school has spoken of the “unspeakable tragedy” of losing his son.
Jack Davey, 11, died on the way to hospital after a white SUV went through the school fence and hit a table where he was sitting at Auburn South Primary School on Tuesday, injuring four other students.
Speaking outside Auburn South Primary School this afternoon, Michael Davey was supported by his wife Jayde as he remembered their “beloved son and brother”.
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“Words can’t adequately describe the utter devastation we feel as we come to terms with the sudden, overwhelming loss of our Jack, a son, brother and friend to many,” Mr Davey said.
“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.”
On behalf of the family, Mr Davey extended his “heartfelt thanks” to school staff, parents, students and public for their support.
“You have wrapped your arms around our family, providing comfort, peace and support in a time of unspeakable tragedy,” Mr Davey said.
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“We will never be able to adequately convey our thanks.”
Two young patients remain in hospital in stable conditions following the crash, and a young girl has been discharged from hospital.
”We wish to extend our love and wishes to Jack’s beautiful friends who were injured in the accident, and to their families,” Mr Davey said.
Mr Davey also gave special recognition to Auburn South Primary School’s receptionist, a former emergency department nurse who is understood to have comforted Jack in the immediate aftermath of the accident.
He thanked emergency services and Royal Children’s Hospital staff for “sustaining his life for as long as they could”.
“We extend thanks to the unbelievable staff at the royal childrens hospital who did their job so amazingly,” Mr Davey said.
“Their compassion and humanity in our darkest hour will never be forgotten.
”We can never be grateful enough”.
Earlier today, Mr Davey posted a photo to his personal Instagram account of Jack wearing a Melbourne Demons cap, scarf and jersey, along with a heartfelt message to his late son.
“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. Dad x.”
The Melbourne Demons Football Club released a statement to X this evening addressing the young footy fan’s passing.
“Our thoughts are with the entire Auburn South community, following the tragic passing of Jack Davey,” the statement read.
“We know Jack was a passionate Dees fan, and we extend our condolences to his family + classmates at Auburn South Primary School, as well as the wider community.”
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