The family of a 14-year-old boy who died after being hit by a bus in Hampshire have paid tribute to “our beautiful, innocent baby boy”.
Beau Croucher died in hospital on Wednesday, two days after the incident involving a bus near the transport hub on The Hard in Portsmouth at approximately 4.25pm on Monday.
The bus driver, a 39-year-old Portsmouth man, was initially arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving before being bailed until November 17.
Family's tribute
A Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson confirmed that Beau's family, who hail from Portsmouth, are receiving support from specialist officers.
In a tribute issued via police, Beau's family said: “On Monday, Beau went out for the afternoon. He never came home. Right now, all of our love, our focus and our entire world is Beau.
“These are the stories you hear about and think, that could never happen to us. You never, in a million years, imagine that something so unimaginable could happen to your perfect little family.
“There are no words that can come close to describing the magnitude of the pain we are living with. It is beyond anything we ever knew was possible to feel. Our hearts are broken in a way we didn't know a heart could break.
“Beau is our absolute world. Our heartbeat. Our obsession. Our beautiful, innocent baby boy.”
A beloved boy
They added: “To know Beau was to love him. When you got to spend time with Beau it was a privilege. He had a unique way of making people laugh.
“His humour was effortless, his observations were always on point, and he brought joy and laughter to everyone who knew him.
“His intelligence has always astounded us. From an early age we realised how exceptional his mind was. He was in top sets at school, loved spending time with his friends and he was happiest when he was around those he cared about.”
Beau was described as “Pompey's number one fan”, with his favourite thing being to go to Fratton Park and follow the Blues with his dad and grandad.
Community support
The family said: “Beau was like sunshine, his light was so strong, and he always stood out in a crowd. It's like we were blessed with an angel.
“Our friends and family have been our pillars these past few days, literally picking us up off the floor and carrying us through moments we never believed we would have to face.
“We have been completely overwhelmed and comforted by the outpouring of love, messages and support. We thank you as a family.”
A note attached to flowers left at the scene reads: “To Beau, RIP Fly High. I will never forget our memories. We had such a good time in science. Can't believe what happened. We will all miss u lots. Forever 14.”
