GoFundMe for 'heartbroken' family of Beau Croucher, 14, who died in Portsmouth bus crash raises thousands
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Beau is described by his parents as Pompey’s number one fan and like sunshine
A fundraiser to support the family of a boy who died in a bus crash has raised thousands of pounds.
Pompey fans and the community at large have rallied around the loved ones of Beau Croucher. The 14-year-old died following a collision involving a Stagecoach vehicle at The Hard on Monday (August 17).
He was taken to hospital for treatment but sadly passed away. A GoFundMe has been launched to help Beau’s family with any financial requirements. At the time of writing, a total of £10,746 has been raised.
Beau’s parents, Sam and Alex, put together a tribute and said their son simply went out for the afternoon and never came home; their focus and “entire world” is now on him.
“These are the stories you hear about and think, that could never happen to us,” they said. “You never, in a million years, imagine that something so unimaginable could happen to your perfect little family.
“There are no words that can come close to describing the magnitude of the pain we are living with. It is beyond anything we ever knew was possible to feel. Our hearts are broken in a way we didn’t know a heart could break.”
Beau’s parents describe him their “absolute world”, “heartbeat”, and “obsession”. “Our beautiful, innocent baby boy,” they said. “To know Beau was to love him. When you got to spend time with Beau it was a privilege. He had a unique way of making people laugh.
“His humour was effortless, his observations were always on point, and he brought joy and laughter to everyone who knew him. His intelligence has always astounded us. From an early age we realised how exceptional his mind was.
“He was in top sets at school, loved spending time with his friends and he was happiest when he was around those he cared about. Beau carried himself with a quiet confidence and kindness that never went unnoticed. Beau was Pompey’s number one fan.
“His favourite thing was to go to Fratton Park and following the Blues with his dad and grandad. Beau loved going on holiday, it was only last week that we were all enjoying being together in London for his birthday and then Cornwall, where he loved to spend time with his family. He always showed gratitude for the life he lived.
“Beau was like sunshine, his light was so strong, and he always stood out in a crowd. It’s like we were blessed with an angel. It’s difficult for us to truly explain how much he meant to everyone and what an incredible boy he was. There are no words to describe the depth of our love for him, or the emptiness that is left behind without him here.
“Our friends and family have been our pillars these past few days, literally picking us up off the floor and carrying us through moments we never believed we would have to face. We have been completely overwhelmed and comforted by the outpouring of love, messages and support. We thank you as a family.
“We will share more about our beautiful Beau in time, because he deserves to be known, remembered and loved. Please continue to talk about him, remember him and continue to say his name.”
Beau’s family are being supported by specialist police officers while an investigation into his death continues. The bus driver, a 39-year-old man from Portsmouth, was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He has been placed on bail until November 17 pending further enquiries.
A petition has been started to relocate the bus stop where Beau died. Tributes have been tied to a lamppost nearby, with messages such as "you will be missed” and “fly high” attached. Safety concerns have been raised about the bus stop just outside the Keppel’s Head Hotel.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary is appealing for any witnesses who saw the bus collision to come forward. Anyone with information is advised to call 101, quoting 44260399748, or submit a report via the police website.
Beau Croucher’s fundraiser can be found here.