The family of a 15-year-old boy who was struck and killed by a truck while walking to school in Bendigo last week has paid tribute to him as a “gentle, warm and loving” young man with a bright future ahead.
Thom Hosking was hit while crossing one of the city’s busiest intersections, just 250 metres from Girton Grammar School, about 8.30am on October 10.
In a heartfelt statement released on Tuesday, Thom’s parents, Andrew and Kim, and his sister, Charli, described their devastating loss and reflected on the kind, thoughtful boy they adored.
“Our son, Thom Hosking, was taken from us on Friday morning while walking to school at Girton Grammar,” the family wrote.
“Thom’s death is a tragedy in the truest form. He was 15. A boy entering manhood with so many of life’s great moments about to open up for him. We are heartbroken that he will never get to realise that potential.”
They remembered Thom as the youngest in the family, but also “the glue of the operation”.
“He was the quiet, calm and rational steady hand; he always wanted everyone to get along,” they said.
“Gentle, warm and loving, he was our peacemaker and our navigator, not just with GPS in hand on holidays and adventures, but also through the trickiest moments of family life. We need his kindness, empathy and level-head more than ever right now. But he is gone, and we know he’s not coming back.”
Thom’s family said he was “conscientious and fastidious – a rule-follower and a smart and dedicated student”.
“He was a keen swimmer, liked gaming with his friends and started going to gym to improve his fitness. He was about to start his first part-time job on Monday. A budding guitarist, he learnt 29 ABBA songs so that he could be ‘Guitar No.2’ in this year’s Girton performance of Mamma Mia the musical.”
Police confirmed the truck driver remained at the scene and is assisting investigators as inquiries into the crash continue.
Images: Nine
