A 14-year-old boy who died after being hit by a bus in Portsmouth has been pictured for the first time as his family paid tribute to their “beautiful, innocent baby boy”.
Beau Croucher was rushed to hospital following the “serious collision” near the transport hub on The Hard at around 4.25pm on August 17. The teenager died two days later.
Arrest and bail
The driver of the bus, a 39-year-old man from Portsmouth, was initially arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving before being released on bail until November 17.
A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said Beau’s family, who are from Portsmouth, were being supported by specialist officers.
Family tribute
In a tribute released through police, the family described their heartbreak as they told how “Beau went out for the afternoon” and “never came home.”
They added: “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.”
The family said losing Beau is “beyond anything we ever knew was possible to feel” and that “there are no words that can come close to describing the magnitude of the pain we are living with”.
The statement continued: “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.”
“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.”
Pompey fan and floral tributes
The family described Beau as having “carried himself with a quiet confidence and kindness that never went unnoticed”.
They added: “Beau was Pompey’s number one fan. His favourite thing was to go to Fratton Park and following the Blues with his dad and grandad.”
“Beau loved going on holiday, it was only last week that we were all enjoying being together in London for his birthday and then Cornwall, where he loved to spend time with his family. He always showed gratitude for the life he lived.”
“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.”
“It's difficult for us to truly explain how much he meant to everyone and what an incredible boy he was. There are no words to describe the depth of our love for him, or the emptiness that is left behind without him here.”
“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 floral tributes left at the scene said: “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.”
