Family's plea after boy who performed on Britain's Got Talent killed near school
20 November 2024, 12:11 | Updated: 20 November 2024, 13:37
The family of an 11-year-old boy who died after being involved in a collision with a car near his school has called for the road's speed limit to be lowered to prevent more accidents.
Evan Rothwell, who once performed with a community group on Britain's Got Talent, was injured outside The King's School in Chester at about 5.12pm on 12 November.
The pupil was airlifted to Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool, but died four days later.
His family said they were "devastated" at the loss of their "beautiful son" and would remember him as someone who "lit up the world around him".
In a statement released by Cheshire Constabulary, the family called for a change in the speed limit next to the school where Evan was hurt.
"The speed limit on the road where Evan was hit is a 40mph limit," the family said.
"This road is outside a school, and we strongly feel that this needs to be lowered to prevent anything like this from happening again."
They added: "Evan loved life and used his talents to entertain and bring joy to others.
"Evan lit up the world around him when he was making friends laugh with jokes and magic tricks, playing cricket with his friends, performing with AmaSing on Britain's Got Talent and entertaining audiences as part of the Chester Scout's Gang Show.
"He made us proud every day. We are shocked and devastated at his loss."
Evan was 'joyful and fun-loving'
Headteacher George Hartley said the school was "united in grief and shock", adding: "Evan will be forever remembered as a bright, joyful and fun-loving classmate, with an intellectual curiosity that belied his young years.
"This devastating news has shaken our school community to its core and there are immense challenges ahead for our pupils, staff and parents."
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No arrests have been made over the collision, which involved a grey Nissan Qashqai, but officers are continuing to appeal for more information or dashcam footage.
(c) Sky News 2024: Family's plea after boy who performed on Britain's Got Talent killed near school
