An 11-year-old boy died after a collision with a lorry in Essex, prompting a heartfelt tribute from his mother. George Dennis was seriously injured in the crash on Epping Road, Ongar, at approximately 4:20pm on July 10, Essex Police confirmed. He was taken to hospital but later died from his injuries.
Mother's tribute to 'bright light'
In a statement released through police, George's mother, Emma, described her son as having 'the kindest heart, a cheeky smile, and a personality that was truly one of a kind.' She said: 'George was a bright light in our lives. He had his whole life ahead of him.'
Emma added: 'He was full of life, always making people laugh, and brought so much happiness to everyone who knew him. He leaves behind a special group of friends whose lives have been changed forever. They have lost not just a classmate, but a loyal friend, teammate, and someone who made every day brighter, even though they all supported different teams.'
Football fan and future ahead
George was about to leave primary school and was 'so excited for the next chapter of his life,' his mother said. She highlighted his passion for football, noting he was 'absolutely football mad and a devoted Tottenham Hotspur supporter.' She recalled: 'Football was his passion, and it brought him so much joy and happiness. Always so passionate, shouting at the telly watching every game when his beloved Spurs scored. A noise I will miss for a lifetime.'
She emphasized that George had been 'loved beyond words by his whole family.'
Arrest and investigation
The driver of the lorry, a 48-year-old man from Derbyshire, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has been bailed until mid-September while police continue their investigation. Officers are appealing for witnesses and anyone who was driving in the vicinity at the time and may have captured dashcam footage to contact them, quoting incident 1045 of July 10.
Information can be reported on the force's website, through the live chat service, or by calling 101.
