By Gemma Grant
The family of the driver whose car ploughed into children at a Melbourne primary school has offered condolences to the family of 11-year-old Jack Davey, who was killed in the crash.
“No words can truly convey the depth of this tragedy. We are all in shock, wishing this was just a bad dream, but sadly this is our reality,” the family said in a statement on Friday.
The scene of the crash at Auburn South Primary School.Credit: Joe Armao
“To Jack’s family, we can only offer our heartfelt condolences; our hearts go out to you and to every family affected by this loss.
“As a family with children, we feel this grief profoundly, sharing in the pain others now carry. It’s not about the words we say, but the genuine sorrow held within our hearts.”
The driver, a 40-year-old Hawthorn East mother, was arrested at the scene and released pending further inquiries.
Jack, a year 5 student, had been enjoying afternoon recess with his friends at a table at Auburn South Primary in Hawthorn East when the car drove through the fence about 2.30pm on Tuesday.
Jack suffered critical injuries and died on the way to hospital. The school’s receptionist and a former emergency department nurse stayed with Jack, comforting him after the crash.
Four other children – three girls and one boy – were injured and transported to hospital with serious injuries. Three have been discharged and one student remains at Royal Children’s Hospital in a stable condition.
Jack is remembered as a kind-hearted person, a talented sportsman and a caring friend. He excelled in the classroom and was a much-loved older brother to his two sisters.
“Words can’t adequately describe the utter devastation we feel as we come to terms with the sudden, overwhelming loss of our Jack; son, brother and friend to many,” Jack’s father, Michael Davey, said on Thursday outside the primary school.
“We find comfort in reading the many messages and the memories of Jack, and how his life and energy was a positive influence on so many in the community at just 11 years old.”
On Thursday afternoon, Victoria’s top traffic officer, Glenn Weir, said the driver had been spoken to several times since the accident but indicated that charges were not imminent.
She had assisted with the police investigation, the driver’s family statement said, and needed privacy as they came to terms with such an “overwhelming tragedy”.
“As a family with children, we feel this grief profoundly, sharing in the pain others now carry. It’s not about the words we say, but the genuine sorrow held within our hearts,” the statement said.
It continued: “To those injured, may you heal quickly – God bless you all.”
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