Family pay tribute to ‘kind-hearted loving’ boy, 13, killed while crossing road

The family of a teenage boy who was killed after being hit by a car said he ‘brought happiness and joy to the life of everyone he met’.

Mason O’Grady, 13, from Pype Hayes, Birmingham, was hit by a black Volkswagen Polo just before 7pm on Easter Sunday while he was crossing a road in Erdington. He died later in hospital.

The driver, a 28-year-old woman, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop. She remains in police custody.

Brother Adam Bryant paid tribute to ‘kind-hearted and loving’ Mason as he urged the public to assist the police investigation if they have any information.

In a Facebook post, Adam said: ‘Anyone who knew Mason would know how kind-hearted, smart and loving he was.

‘He would have done anything for anybody, he was truly an amazing person.

‘This massive shock has left a huge hole in our family so if anybody could help with the investigation please please don’t hesitate.

‘Mason was a huge character, he will be truly missed by everyone.

‘See you soon little brother, love you more than you could ever know!’

Mason’s family also urged witnesses to come forward, as they described the young teenager as ‘beautiful’ and ‘kind-spirited’.

The family said: ‘Mason was a handsome, kind, loving and genuine boy with a heart of gold.

‘He would do anything to make you smile and he brought happiness and joy to the life of everyone he met.

‘Yesterday whilst out walking with his family he was hit by a car as he crossed the road.

‘As a family we are asking for any witnesses to come forward to help us understand why this happened to our beautiful, kind spirited boy.

‘Mason, we will love you always.’

Hayley Myles, a friend of Mason’s mother Hayley O’Grady at Sutton Town Netball Club, described the schoolboy as ‘a beautiful soul’.

She said: ‘This is just awful. He was so lovely, funny, you never saw him in a bad mood.

‘He was always smiling, always playing tricks on his younger sister Rosie and his mum.

‘Mason would get involved with us at the club, he spent a lot of time there as a lot of our kids did, everyone knew him.

‘He was Hayley’s first-born, and he was her best friend. Mason was a beautiful soul. He will be sorely missed by us all.’

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help raised money for the family, which has already raised more than £7,000 – over double its target – in less than 24 hours since the crash.

Mrs Myles said: ‘I spoke to Hayley briefly, she was obviously still in shock about what had happened but she said the fundraising appeal was a lovely gesture.

‘We are all still just upset by what’s happened. When the time is right, we will mark it properly. We just all want to support Hayley and her family right now.’

Detective Sergeant Alan Hands, from West Midlands police, said: ‘This is a parent’s worst nightmare and it’s impossible to imagine their grief, but specialist officers will be supporting them as our investigation continues.’

He urged anyone with information to contact police.

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