‘Shattered’: Six-year-old boy killed in alleged Teesdale hit-run identified

An 84-year-old woman was behind the wheel of a car that killed a Teesdale schoolboy in an alleged hit-and-run.

Police block the Bannockburn Shelford Rd where a schoolchild was struck by a car and died. Picture: Alison Wynd

A six-year-old boy killed walking alongside his brother and sister in an alleged hit-and-run in Teesdale has been identified.

Inspector Craig McEvoy from the Major Collision Investigation Unit said Caleb Wesley had been on his way to catch a school bus with his siblings when he was fatally struck by a car on the Bannockburn-Shelford Road.

A female driver, 84, from Teesdale has been spoken to by police and was released pending further enquiries.

Witnesses who saw the tragedy allege the woman initially stopped and got out of her car before driving off.

Police will allege she did not offer any assistance.

Officers were able to locate her at a nearby residence after receiving a license plate number.

A crime scene has been established on Bannockburn-Shelford Rd at Teesdale. Picture: Alison Wynd

The boy had been crossing the busy road with his nine-year-old brother and sister, 12, when he was struck.

It’s understood a nurse passer-by performed CPR but he sadly died from his injuries.

His devastated parents are well known in the tight-knit Golden Plains town and the loss has sent shockwaves through the community.

He attended Covenant College in Bell Post Hill.

Principal Joshua McEwen said the school community was “devastated” by the news.

“This has come as a huge shock to our close school community at Covenant College,” McEwen said.

“Our sympathies and prayers are with the family and we are offering support to them, as well as to students, staff and those affected by this loss.

“At this time our priority is the wellbeing of our school community, and we are praying that God’s peace and comfort will prevail for all at this time.”

Inspector McEvoy said the family had been left “shattered” and the boy “had just been going about his daily routine.”

“It’s the worst news that parents could ever have,” he said.

Caleb Wesley has been identified as the victim.

“Any parent receives that news is absolutely shocking, let alone being witnessed by his siblings.

“They’re trying to process what’s occurred.”

Executive principal of Christian College Geelong, Dr Mathilda Joubert, addressed the death in an email to all parents.

Dr Joubert said Caleb had “close connections with the local Bannockburn and Teesdale communities”.

“The impact of this loss will be felt by many of our students, staff, parents and the members of the Christian College community,” she said.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, Covenant College staff and the broader Covenant College community in this time of grief.”

Meanwhile MCIU detectives in Teesdale, northwest of Geelong, were marking what appeared to be a crime scene with cones.

The incident happened near the Teesdale Preschool shortly after 8am, about 200m from a children’s playground where kids continued to play on Thursday morning.

The busy main road was blocked by at least six police vehicles with traffic diverted for most of the day.

Shocked onlookers and staff at the nearby Teesdale Primary School described the incident as a “worst nightmare”.

Education minister Ben Carroll said wellbeing supports have been made available to staff and students.

“The education department will be aiding the school in providing support and care to the family and anyone impacted by this tragedy,” he said.

Investigators are canvassing the area and are asking witnesses to come forward.

It’s understood dashcam footage is also being sought.

Anyone with more information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Originally published as ‘Shattered’: Six-year-old boy killed in alleged Teesdale hit-run identified