'That smile would light up any room'

12-year-old Marshall Stagg has been remembered as a happy-go-lucky ‘funny guy’ after he was tragically hit by a car outside his school. RIP

A community is in mourning as a 12-year-old boy tragically died after he was hit by a car in front of his school.

Described as being 'full of dreams and ambition', Marshall Oakley Stagg died outside Cosgrove High School in Glenorchy in Hobart's north after being hit by a driver at around 3 pm on Friday. 

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Full of dreams and ambition

Known affectionately as ‘Marshie’ by family and friends, the young boy is remembered as a happy-go-lucky boy whom his schoolmates nicknamed, ‘the funny guy.’

“Marshie was a 12-year-old entering his first year of grade 7 full of dreams and ambition,” Kristy Canham, a local mum, wrote on a GoFundMe page. 

“Happy-go-lucky and, as described by his mum, would say the most random things daily. That smile would lighten up any room he walked into.”

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A devastated community

Over the weekend, numerous bouquets, toys, and heartfelt messages were placed at the entrance of Cosgrove High School. 

Inspector Jon Cooper expressed the deep sorrow of Marshall's family and emphasised the distressing nature of the incident witnessed by students, who will be provided with counselling support. 

Additionally, support has been offered to the first responders who attended the scene.

“The driver is very deeply shocked and concerned, and they have been taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital for mandatory testing,” Inspector Cooper advised on Friday. 

A representative from Cosgrove High School said the school was working with the school community, including the families involved, to provide support during what they described as a “difficult time” for everyone.

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“Happy go lucky and as described by his mum, would say the most random things daily. That smile would lighten up any room he walked into.” Source: The Daily Mail

Condolences from the Premier

Jeremy Rockliff, the Tasmanian Premier, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his condolences to those impacted by the tragedy.

“My heart goes out to the family of the young boy who has died, and all those who witnessed the tragedy,” he wrote. 

“I can assure all that every resource will be made available to support the family and the school community.”

Investigators from the forensics and crash analysis units were present at the scene on Friday afternoon, with police confirming that their inquiries were ongoing.

If you would like to contribute to the GoFundMe page set up in Marshall's memory, you can find the page here.

Originally published as 'That smile would light up any room'