‘Inquisitive and well-loved’: Heartbreaking tribute to 6yo Caleb killed on way to school in Teesdale, Victoria

The principal of a Geelong school has released a touching tribute to six-year-old Caleb Wesley, who died after being struck by a car on his way to school.

The six-year-old who died after he was hit by a car while walking to school has been remembered as an “inquisitive, friendly, empathetic and well-loved” boy.

It is believed Caleb Wesley, 6, was hit by a car while he was walking to school along Bannockburn-Shelford Rd, Teesdale west of Geelong in Victoria just after 8am on Thursday.

He died at the scene despite receiving CPR.

In a touching tribute released by his school, Covenant College in Bell Post Hill, a suburb of Geelong, principal Joshua McEwen said the six-year-old was “always one of the first to show kindness to others”.

“He loved learning, loved reading books, and was fascinated by the world around him,” the tribute read.

Covenant College has released a touching tribute to six-year-old Caleb Wesley, who died after being hit by a car on his way to school. Picture: Supplied

A week before the incident, the boy told his parents he had discovered his “first wobbly tooth”, and was excited to have it fall out.

“He was wondering what losing a tooth would feel like,” the principal said.

Mr McEwen said the boy’s family and the school was grieving the “tragic loss of their little boy”.

“Thank you to all who are praying for Caleb’s family and our school,” the principal said.

“Our prayers are also for the many others who have been impacted, including those who witnessed this tragedy, those who assisted at the scene, as well as the driver and her family.

“We don’t know the circumstances that led to this, but we do know that God sees us, and cares for us.”

Caleb, 6, died after he was hit by a car while walking to school. Picture: Supplied/Victoria Police.

On Thursday, Mr McEwen said the school was “devastated” by Caleb’s death.

“Today is a tough day for all at Covenant College,” Mr McEwan said in a statement.

“We are devastated by news of the death of a student as a result of being struck by a vehicle while on the way to school.

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

“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.”

Caleb, 6, died after he was hit by a car while walking to school. Picture: NewsCorp.

The vehicle involved in the collision left the scene, a Victoria Police statement read, however it was found at a Teesdale address.

The driver was identified as an 84-year-old Teesdale woman.

“The female driver is assisting police to determine the exact circumstances,” the statement read.

After speaking with police, the woman was released pending further inquiries.

Anyone with information has been urged to come forward.

It’s believed the child was hit by a car while he was walking to school along Bannockburn-Shelford Rd just after 8am on Thursday. Picture: 9 NEWS.

Locals have shared their heartbreak on social media following Caleb’s death.

“I am at work, with tears in my eyes thinking about this poor family and our wonderful community,” one wrote on Facebook.

“As someone from this small community our hearts are breaking for the boys family, the school and the whole community,” another wrote.

“I knew there was a reason my heart felt heavy driving past the first response unit, 2 ambo’s (sic) and a cop car as they were coming through Batesford. Rest In Peace lil man,” said another.

Originally published as ‘Inquisitive and well-loved’: Heartbreaking tribute to 6yo Caleb killed on way to school in Teesdale, Victoria