A 12-year-old who passed away after being struck by a vehicle outside of a school in Hobart’s north is being fondly remembered as a “happy-go-lucky” boy.
Marshall Oakley Stagg tragically died in front of Moonah’s Cosgrove High School shortly after 3pm on Friday.
Police believe he was hit by a vehicle exiting the school grounds, having just finished school for the day.
By Saturday, the school’s front gate had been transformed into a memorial for Stagg, adorned with tributes including flowers, toys and heartfelt messages.
“[His] smile would lighten up any room he walked into,” a GoFundMe page set up to raise funds for his family reads.
“Marshie was … entering his first year of grade 7 full of dreams & ambition.”
Inspector Jon Cooper from Tasmania Police said on Friday that the “very distressing” incident occurred directly in front of other students.
He said support was being offered to the first responders involved, while the Department of Education has put in place a professional support team “who are supporting students and staff process this tragedy”.
“The school are in contact with all families and these supports, including additional teaching staff, will remain in place through this difficult time,” a spokesperson said.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff expressed his condolences on social media.
“My heart goes out to the family of the young boy who has died and all those who witnessed the tragedy,” he said.
“I can assure all that every resource will be made available to support the family and the school community.”
