Boy, 3, killed after car driven by OAP mounted pavement named as family pay tribute to ‘happy chatterbox’
THE parents of a three-year-old boy who was tragically crushed by a car have paid tribute to their “happy chatterbox”.
Xander Irvine was out for a walk with his mum, Victoria 37, on Tuesday when a red Kia ploughed into them in front of a charity shop.
The tot and his mum were rushed to hospital but Xander could not be saved.
The driver, a 91-year-old woman, was unharmed, and members of the public rushed to help at the scene of the crash on Morningside Road, Edinburgh.
Victoria Irvine was treated for her injuries and has since been discharged from hospital but along with her husband, Paul, the couple paid tribute to their little boy – describing it as a ‘tragic accident’.
A spokesperson for the family said in a statement “Xander was a very happy, bubbly, intelligent little boy who was very dearly loved by his parents Victoria and Paul.
“Xander was a real chatterbox who just loved books, playing with all sorts of vehicles and his Lego.
“He really enjoyed life and he enriched the lives of everyone he met.
He enriched the lived of everyone he met
“Victoria and Paul are devastated and feel as if their hearts have been ripped out.
“Xander will be so very sorely missed by them both and all his family and friends in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
“His parents would like to thank the paramedics, police, the fire and rescue service and members of the public for their help at the scene of the accident.
“Also, thank you to all the hospital staff and the police liaison for their help and to the public for their support to both Victoria and Paul and their families.
‘TRAGIC ACCIDENT’
“What will we do without you Xander?”
Inspector Roger Park of Edinburgh City Road Policing Unit said: “Our thoughts remain with the family of Xander at this incredibly difficult time.”
He continued: “The 37-year-old pedestrian, Xander’s mother, also injured in the incident has now been discharged from hospital following treatment.
“I can also confirm that the driver of the Red Kia, a 91-year-old woman, was uninjured.
“I wish to express my sincere thanks to the members of the public who intervened and assisted in the immediate aftermath of this tragic incident and to the police and other emergency services who were on the scene.”
Witnesses of the horrific scene on Wednesday described their heartbreak over the tragic accident.
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One said: “People were comforting others. They were very upset. It was a horrible thing for anyone to have witnessed.”
Police confirmed enquiries into the accident are ongoing.
Inspector Park added: “A full forensic collision investigation was carried out at the time and officers continue to look at CCTV and dash-cam footage as well as tracing and speaking to witnesses who have come forward.”