On October 29, 2024, a tragic incident occurred at Auburn South Primary School, situated in Hawthorn East, resulting in the death of 11-year-old Jack Davey. He was reportedly struck by a vehicle that had lost control and crashed onto the school grounds. Alongside Jack, three other children—a 10-year-old girl, another 10-year-old girl, and an 11-year-old boy—sustained significant injuries and were transported to the hospital for treatment.
The driver involved in this unfortunate event, a 40-year-old woman from Hawthorn East, was apprehended at the scene and subsequently released as investigations continued. On the following Tuesday, she faced charges for careless driving and for failing to maintain adequate control of her vehicle. According to police reports, her car allegedly veered off Burgess Street, smashed through the school’s fence, and collided with the group of children.
It has been reported that prior to the crash, the woman had just picked up her child, who is also of primary school age, from school; fortunately, that child was unharmed during the incident. The driver is scheduled to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on July 15 to address the charges against her.
This incident has raised significant concerns about safety in school zones and has shocked the local community, leaving many to mourn the loss of Jack and reflect on the tragic circumstances that unfolded that day.