‘Alive in our hearts’: grieving family pays tribute to 11-year-old Jack Davey after Melbourne school crash tragedy
Date: 2024-10-31
Grade 5 student Jack Davey died after a car ploughed through a fence and into a school yard in Hawthorn East on Tuesday. Photograph: Supplied by family
Grade 5 student Jack Davey died after a car ploughed through a fence and into a school yard in Hawthorn East on Tuesday. Photograph: Supplied by family
‘Alive in our hearts’: grieving family pays tribute to 11-year-old Jack Davey after Melbourne school crash tragedy
‘Beloved son and brother’ mourned, as three children injured in Auburn South primary school car crash remain in hospital with one discharged
Michael and Jayde Davey are clinging to the memories of the positive influence their son Jack had on the community in his 11 years of life after he was killed in a school crash.
Grade 5 student Jack Davey died after a car ploughed through a fence and into a school yard on Tuesday afternoon, hitting a group of Auburn South primary school students sitting at a table.
Two 11-year-old girls, a 10-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy were seriously injured and taken to hospital, with one child having since been discharged while the others remain in a stable condition.
Outside the school on Thursday, Jack’s parents expressed their utter devastation as they struggled to come to terms with the sudden and overwhelming loss.
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“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,” Michael Davey said.
“Personally, he is our champion.
Michael Davey described his son Jack as ‘a shooting star who blessed us for 11 years’. Photograph: Supplied
“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.
They also thanked the community that had wrapped their arms around his family, providing comfort, peace and support in a time of unspeakable tragedy.
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Earlier, Michael Davey described Jack as “our beautiful son” who provided him with motivation and inspiration.
“A shooting star who blessed us for 11 years with love, friendship and kindness,” Davey posted to Instagram.
“You were my inspiration and motivation.
“I cannot comprehend the life ahead without you.
“My mate, my champ, my Jackie-boi... God speed, until we meet again... I love you. Dad x.”
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 arrested and released after a police interview, with no charges laid.
Victoria police inspect the scene where a car crashed through a fence at Auburn South primary school on Tuesday. Photograph: Joel Carrett/EPA
The Boroondara council has organised a community support hub at a nearby park which will be open from Thursday to Sunday.
“We invite community members to come together and access support and referral services during this difficult time,” it said in a social media post.
“Our hearts go out to the families, friends and the entire school community who are grappling with this devastating loss.”
A fundraiser for the Davey family had grown to more than $175,000 by 6pm on Thursday.
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.
A student lays a floral tribute near the site of the Auburn South primary school crash. Photograph: Joel Carrett/AAP
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.
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,” he told reporters.
The school is open and extra support services are available, including extra teachers from neighbouring schools and pastoral and counselling services.
