'Warm and loving' teen killed on way to school was days from starting his first job

Thom Hosking was crossing the road at one of the busiest intersections in Bendigo when he was hit by a truck just 250m from his school, Girton Grammar School, about 8.30am on October 10.

His father Andrew, mother Kim and sister Charli have today released a written statement revealing the teenager was just days from starting his first job.

“Our son, Thom Hosking, was taken from us on Friday morning while walking to school at Girton Grammar,” it reads.

“Thom’s death is a tragedy in the truest form. He was 15. A boy entering manhood with so many of life’s great moments about to open up for him. We are heartbroken that he will never get to realise that potential.

“Thom was the youngest in our family, but the glue of the operation. He was the quiet, calm and rational steady hand; he always wanted everyone to get along.

“Gentle, warm and loving, he was our peacemaker and our navigator, not just with GPS in hand on holidays and adventures, but also through the trickiest moments of family life.

“We need his kindness, empathy and level-head more than ever right now. But he is gone, and we know he’s not coming back.

“Thom was conscientious and fastidious – a rule-follower and a smart and dedicated student.

“He was a keen swimmer, liked gaming with his friends and started going to gym to improve his fitness. He was about to start his first part-time job on Monday. A budding guitarist, he learnt 29 ABBA songs so that he could be “Guitar No.2″ in this year’s Girton performance of Mamma Mia the musical.”

The truck driver remained at the scene and is helping police with the investigation into the crash.