Tributes as 'joyful' boy, 11, who performed on Britain's Got Talent killed in crash outside his school

The family of a 'joyful' 11-year-old boy who was killed in a crash outside his school in Cheshire have paid a heartfelt tribute to him.

Evan Rothwell was struck by a grey Nissan Qashqai outside the Kings School on Wrexham Road in Chester just after 5.10pm last Tuesday (November 12). The schoolboy was rushed to the Alder Hey Children's Hospital in an air ambulance but tragically died last Saturday.

His devastated family are being supposed by specialist officers, Cheshire Police said. No arrests have been made.

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Evan's family, from Chester, said he 'lit up the world around him' as they described their heartbreak following his death. Evan performed with the Amasing group on Britain's Got Talent this year, with the act reaching the live semi-finals in London.

He also loved doing magic tricks and playing cricket with his family, his family said. In full, their tribute said: "It is with great sadness that we can confirm that our beautiful son Evan Rothwell has passed away as a result of the road traffic accident near King’s School last Tuesday.

"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 Ama-sing 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.

"We would like to thank the emergency services staff and the staff at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital for their expertise, care and commitment and most of all for their kindness. We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from our local community. We really appreciate your love and support."

Evan's family added that they believe the speed limit on the road where he was struck down should be lowered. "The speed limit on the road where Evan was hit is a 40mph limit", they said.

"This road is outside a school. We strongly feel that this needs to be lowered to prevent anything like this from happening again."

Evan's headteacher George Hartley said the community at Kings school, a co-educational private day school for pupils aged four to 18, had been 'shaken to the core' following his tragic death. "Evan will be forever remembered as a bright, joyful and fun-loving classmate, with an intellectual curiosity that belied his young years", he said.

"Our thoughts throughout this past week have remained with Evan’s heartbroken family, loved ones and friends. This devastating news has shaken our school community to its core and there are immense challenges ahead for our pupils, staff and parents.

"We have drawn great strength from the many messages of support and from the countless tributes being paid to Evan. We are united in grief and shock, and we are doing all we can to support each other with compassion and understanding as we face the loss of one of our own."

Emily Sherriff, head of year at Evan's school, added: "Evan arrived at King’s in September with an enormous smile and a sense of fun that brought joy to everyone he encountered. As a King’s Entry Scholar, he showcased an insatiable appetite to learn about the world.

"In his form, he was a dedicated charity rep who was committed to bringing new ideas and excitement to his tutor group. Outside of the classroom, Evan could be found in all areas of school life: belly laughing in Dungeons and Dragons Club, catching up with friends in the library whilst taking out his latest read and making a big splash in the swimming pool.

"He was kindness personified and there has not been a single student who we have encountered over the past week who hasn’t made a comment on the happiness Evan carried with him throughout the school day. The way he lived his life - full of wonder and enthusiasm- is something that will stay with us all forever."

Police are continuing to appeal for anyone with information about the incident, or anyone with dash cam footage, to come forward. Cheshire Police can be contacted on 101 or via www.cheshire.police.uk//tell-us quoting IML-1961446.

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