Heartbreaking tributes as schoolboy, 8, knocked down and killed by a Land Rover in Catterick Garrison
EMOTIONAL tributes have poured following the tragic death of an eight-year-old schoolboy, who died after being hit by a Land Rover.
Joshua Slater lost his life when he was knocked down by a car on Somerset Close, Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire.
Police rushed to the scene alongside emergency services just before 6p.m on Tuesday evening.
The year three pupil was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
Mark Dent, Joshua’s headteacher at Cambrai Primary School, said: “Joshua was a shining light of love, friendship and fun within our school family.
“We are heartbroken to know that we will never see his smile, or hear his giggles again, but our memories of him will never fade.
“Our school community will come together during this sad time to support each other, his family and friends. He will always be part of Cambrai.”
Nick Blackburn, Chief Executive of the Lingfield Education Trust, added: “We offer our sincere condolences and love to Joshua’s family at this difficult time.”
A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson previously said: “Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after an eight-year-old boy died following a collision in Catterick Garrison last night (Tuesday 5 September).
“Officers were called by the ambulance service at 5.49 pm to Somerset Close following a report that a child pedestrian had been involved in a collision with a white Land Rover Discovery Sport.
“Tragically, the boy died at the scene from his injuries. The boy’s family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
“At this time, no arrests have been made and the driver of the vehicle is assisting us with our enquiries.
“Officers are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and witnessed the collision or saw what happened to get in touch.”
A GoFundMe has been launched in Joshua’s memory and for his devastated family.
So far, the local community and football club have raised more than £16,000.
Conor Jackson, who organised the fundraiser, said: “We at Catterick Garrison Football Centre are raising funds to help with the costs of young Joshua Slater who unfortunately lost his life in a tragic car accident on the evening of September 5.
“We cannot even begin to think about how [his mum] Kirsty and her family are feeling at this devastatingly difficult time. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to you all.”