An 11-year-old who died after a collision with a lorry was “a bright light” in the lives of his family and friends, his grieving mother says.
George Dennis was seriously injured in the incident on Ongar’s Epping Road on 10 July, about 4.20pm.
He was rushed to hospital but later died.
Essex Police said that the driver of the lorry was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
The 48-year-old man, from Derbyshire, has been bailed until mid-September while officers continue their investigation.
George’s mother Emma has now paid tribute to him in a statement released through police.
Her son “had his whole life ahead of him”, she wrote.
“George was a bright light in our lives.
“He had the kindest heart, a cheeky smile, and a personality that was truly one of a kind.
“He was full of life, always making people laugh, and brought so much happiness to everyone who knew him.
“He leaves behind a special group of friends whose lives have been changed forever.
“They have lost not just a classmate, but a loyal friend, teammate, and someone who made every day brighter, even though they all supported different teams.”
She said her son was about to leave primary school and was “so excited for the next chapter of his life”.
She added: “George was absolutely football mad and a devoted Tottenham Hotspur supporter.
“Football was his passion, and it brought him so much joy and happiness.
“Always so passionate, shouting at the telly watching every game when his beloved Spurs scored.
“A noise I will miss for a lifetime.”
She said that George had been “loved beyond words by his whole family”.
Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone driving in the vicinity at the time who may have captured footage on dashcam to contact them, quoting incident 1045 of 10 July.
Information can be reported on the force’s website, through the live chat service or by calling 101.
