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At just 15 years old, Thom Hosking was already his family’s steady hand, their peacemaker and trusted navigator.
“Not just with GPS in hand on holidays and adventures, but also through the trickiest moments of family life,” his dad Andrew, mum Kim and sister Charli recalled.
The Bendigo teenager was fatally struck by a truck last Friday during his morning walk to school. Thom’s family, still reeling from the tragedy, has never needed his kind and level-headed nature more.
15-year-old Thom Hosking has been remembered as a kind, level-headed boy, tragically killed on his walk to school.
The family released a statement on Monday grieving the loss of their youngest son and little brother – on the day Thom was supposed to begin his first part-time job.
The Girton Grammar student was hit on High Street in the suburb of Golden Square near his school last week, just after 8.30am. He died at the scene despite tireless efforts to revive him.
“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,” the family said.
The truck driver was not injured and is assisting police with their investigation.
The Hoskings described Thom as gentle, warm and loving. He was a smart and dedicated student. He loved swimming, enjoyed gaming with friends and had recently joined the gym.
“Thom had a close bond with his shorter, older sister Charli. He was not a big footy follower, but he loved going to Melbourne AFL games at the MCG with his dad, just so they could spend time together. His bond with his mum was unbreakable.
“Most of all, Thom was someone who was great to be around, and it hurts us so much that he is not any more. We love him dearly.”
The Girton Grammar student was “conscientious and fastidious” and was on his way to mastering the guitar. He demonstrated this commitment by learning 29 ABBA songs to play “Guitar No. 2″ in the school’s production of the musical, Mamma Mia.
He was admired by his teachers, had a lovely group of school friends, and a large extended family all devastated by his loss, the statement said.
The family thanked those who have expressed their condolences and asked for privacy as they grieve for Thom.
Girton Grammar principal Dr Emma O’Rielly said on Friday Thom’s death was “an unspeakable tragedy”.
“As the principal of the school and as a parent, I’m absolutely devastated. We’ve had a young life cut short, we’ve had a family altered forever,” she said.
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On Friday, local Lisa Marie described the scene in the aftermath of the crash as “chaos everywhere”, with several emergency services working to save the teenager, and police sectioning off the truck with tape.
“My heart is breaking for his parents,” she said. “Everyone is just shocked and shattered for him and his family.”
Another resident reported seeing the teenager walking along High Street minutes before sirens were heard. “It was just panic from the public,” the resident said. “Traffic was brought to a standstill as firefighters were trying to resuscitate them.”
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