A teenager who was killed near his school on Friday has been remembered by his heartbroken parents as the ‘gentle’ peacemaker of the family.
Thom Hosking was walking to Girton Grammar in Bendigo last week when he was hit by a truck at the intersection of High Street and Myrtle Street at 8:30am.
The 15-year-old’s family released a statement saying he was the glue that held the home together.
‘A boy entering manhood with so many of life’s great moments about to open up for him. We are heartbroken that he will never get to realise that potential,’ parents Andrew and Kim, and sister Charli said.
‘Thom was the youngest in our family, but the glue of the operation. He was the quiet, calm and rational steady hand. He always wanted everyone to get along.
‘Gentle, warm and loving, he was our peacemaker and our navigator, not just with GPS in hand on holidays and adventures, but also through the trickiest moments of family life.
‘We need his kindness, empathy and level-head more than ever right now. But he is gone, and we know he’s not coming back.’
Shortly after Thom was hit by the truck, a member of the public performed CPR on him but was unable to revive the teenager.
Thom Hosking was walking to Girton Grammar in Bendigo when he was hit by a truck
Members of the public tried to save the 15-year-old but he died at the scene
The driver, who worked for a Bendigo freight company, was not injured.
Senior Sergeant Ian Brooks said the scene was ‘hugely distressing’.
He said police would be assisted by the Major Collision Investigation Unit as officers determine the exact circumstances of the crash.
‘The investigation remains ongoing. The truck driver has not been interviewed at this stage,’ a police spokesperson said.
‘I was there and it is a very sad day for all involved. His poor parents,’ a witness said.
‘A cruel and heartbreaking day for everyone involved,’ another said.Â
Thom’s family described him as a smart and dedicated student who enjoyed playing the guitar, and was about to start his first part-time job.
‘Thom had a lovely group of friends and was admired by his teachers at Girton. He also has a large extended family, who are all grieving his loss. We send them all our love,’ the family statement read.
The scene where Thom Hosking was killed was described as ‘hugely distressing’
‘Thom had a close bond with his shorter, older sister Charli. He was not a big footy follower, but he loved going to Melbourne AFL games at the MCG with his dad, just so they could spend time together.
‘His bond with his mum was unbreakable. Most of all, Thom was someone who was great to be around, and it hurts us so much that he is not any more.
‘We love him dearly. We thank those who’ve expressed their sorrow for Thom’s loss and support for our family, but we must ask for privacy as we deal with our grief.’
Anyone with information or CCTV footage of the incident has been urged to contact police.
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Aussie teen dies after tragedy strikes while he was walking to school – as family issue heartbreaking statement