‘Beautiful boy’: Funeral for schoolboy Jack Davey, killed after car crashed through school fence

Jack Davey, 11, was sitting at a table in the schoolyard when a car crashed through the fence. He was rushed to hospital but later died.

Loved ones are set to gather for the private funeral of schoolboy Jack Davey, who was killed when a car crashed through the fence of his primary school in Melbourne’s east.

Emergency services were called to Auburn South Primary School on Tooronga Rd in Hawthorn East just after 2.30pm on October 29 following reports of a crash.

Police believe the white SUV was travelling on Burgess St when it left the road and crashed into the school fence.

Jack was reportedly sitting at a table in the schoolyard with other students when the SUV crashed into the fence, according to the ABC.

The 11-year-old was rushed to hospital with critical injuries, however he later died.

11-year-old Jack Davey was killed when a car ploughed through his Auburn South a primary school. Source: Victorian Education Department

11-year-old Jack Davey was killed when a car ploughed through his Auburn South a primary school. Source: Victorian Education Department

Jack was killed after a car crashed through the fence at his primary school Picture: NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

Three girls – two aged 11 and one aged 10 – as well as a 10-year-old boy were also taken to hospital with serious injuries.

The funeral is set to take place on Sunday, with the family asking for privacy.

Jack’s father, Michael Davey, earlier told 7 News his son will remain “very much alive in our hearts”.

“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,” Mr Davey said.

“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.”

A GoFundMe page set up by Jack’s basketball team has raised nearly $300,000 for his family.

“Helping to support the Davey family with costs relating to the loss of Jack and to assist them to have time away from work during this heartbreaking time,” the fundraiser read.

“All funds will go directly to the immediate Davey family.

“Jack was a valued member of the Titans basketball community, Gladiators football club and keen futsal player.

“We, his basketball team and the Auburn South Primary school community, have established this fund.”

The driver has not been charged with any crime, and police investigations are ongoing. Picture: 7News

A couple pray outside Auburn South Primary School in Hawthorn East as floral tributes for Jack grow. Picture: NewsWire/Ian Currie

Thousands have donated to the fundraiser, with one anonymous donor chipping in $10,000.

Many came forward to offer words of support with their donations, remembering Jack as a “very special” boy.

“Dear Davey family, we met Jack at school sport event (cross country) few times, his smile is very special. He is such a talented athlete. As a mother of 10 year old boy, I can’t imagine how much pain you are suffering now. We know there is nothing can replace him, hope sending our love and support can give your whole family a little bit of time to slowly go through,” one person wrote.

“Sending all of our love to the Davey Family. How lucky we are that our family’s path crossed Jack’s. We will always treasure our memories of the time we got to spend with your beautiful boy,” another said.

“How fondly we reflect upon our time with Jack (and your girls) at the Preschool. He was truly a beautiful boy and we are deeply saddened by this sudden and devastating accident. We trust you will find strength in the community support around you and we are thinking of you all at this very difficult time,” another added.

The 40-year-old female driver of the SUV was arrested and interviewed by police on October 29, however, she was released pending further inquiries.

A primary school aged child in the car at the time wasn’t injured in the crash.

Speaking to the media on the day of the incident, Inspector Craig McEvoy said initial investigations suggested the woman had driven to the school to collect her child and crashed performing a U-turn.

He said the incident appeared to be a “tragic accident” and confirmed police were still taking statements from the scene.

“(It’s) a really tough scene, always is when children are involved,” Inspector McEvoy said.