Mother hit with charges over fatal primary school crash

William Ton |

One student died and four others were injured after a vehicle crashed through a school fence.
One student died and four others were injured after a vehicle crashed through a school fence.

A mother whose car careened through a school fence, killing an 11-year-old boy and injuring four other students, will face criminal charges.

Grade five student Jack Davey died after the car ploughed into a school yard in October, hitting a group of Auburn South students sitting at a table.

The SUV driver, a 40-year-old woman, had just collected her child from the school in Melbourne’s east and attempted a U-turn when her vehicle veered into the group of children.

The pair inside the car were not injured.

Jack Davy,
Jack Davy’s parents remember him as a positive influence on many people in the community. (HANDOUT/AUBURN SOUTH PRIMARY SCHOOL)

The Hawthorn East mother was arrested and released following a police interview.

She was charged on Tuesday with careless driving and failing to have proper control of a motor vehicle.

The tragedy left the community reeling, with Jack’s parents Michael and Jayde clinging to the memories of the positive influence their son had in his short life.

The Davey family expressed their devastation in coming to terms with the sudden and overwhelming loss of their “shooting star”.

“We find comfort in reading the many messages and memories of Jack and how his life and energy was a positive influence on so many in the community at just 11 years old,” Mr Davey said.

“Personally, he is our champion.

“He is our beloved son and brother who remains very much alive in our hearts and memories as we piece together our lives with his spirit going forward.”

A student with a floral tribute (file image)
The Auburn South Primary School community was left reeling after the fatal crash. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)

Two 11-year-old girls, a 10-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy were seriously injured and taken to hospital, but were later discharged.

Extra teachers from nearby schools were brought in to support their colleagues in the days following the incident, with pastoral care staff also sent in.

Devastated community members went to the school with flowers, biscuits and footballs, with a tribute created just metres away from the crash site.

The woman will face Melbourne Magistrates Court on July 15.

A fundraiser for the Davey family raised $291,000 to help with costs related to the loss of their son and to allow them to take time away from work.

AAP