A teenage boy who died after being hit by a train in Auckland's Mt Albert has been remembered as a "much-loved son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend".
Officers were called to the road and pedestrian level crossing next to the Baldwin Ave train station at 3.28pm on Wednesday.
A male pedestrian died at the scene — confirmed on Thursday as a Mount Albert Grammar school student.
"Our family is heartbroken to share the devastating loss of little Vinnie Jr, also known as Buka who was tragically taken from us far too soon," a Givealittle page set up by the teenager's aunt Angelica Lall said.
"His life was precious, and his loss has left a space in our family that can never be filled."
She continued: "No parent should ever have to experience the pain of losing their child. Our sister and her family are now facing a journey no family should ever have to walk, as they try to come to terms with the sudden and heart-breaking loss of their beautiful boy.
"At this time, we are asking for your prayers."
The funds raised would go towards Vinnie Jr's family "to help with the unexpected costs that come with losing a child, including funeral and bereavement expenses and loss of income while they are unable to work".
"It will also give them some breathing room to take the time they need to grieve and begin navigating life without little Vinnie."
Lall added while ACC would provide some support towards funeral costs, not all expenses would be covered.
"Any contribution, no matter how big or small, will make a real difference. If you are unable to donate, simply keeping little Vinnie and his family in your thoughts and prayers would mean so much to us.
"Thank you for standing with our family and helping us honour the memory of Vinnie."
The page had raised $6300 as of 6pm this evening.
Headmaster urges support
In a letter to caregivers yesterday, Mt Albert Grammar headmaster Patrick Drumm said thoughts were with the family of the student and "we continue to actively support them".
Drumm said the school had been focused on supporting staff and students affected by the death.
"Our guidance team and pastoral staff are working closely with students and will continue to do so in the time ahead," he said.
"We are grateful for the huge amount of support we are receiving from the wider educational community and beyond."
Police had spoken with several high school students that were on the platform at the time of the incident.
Inspector Jacqui Whittaker said many students were leaving school at the time and appealed for anyone who witnessed the incident but had not yet spoken to officers to come forward.
Officers and other emergency responders could be seen at Baldwin Avenue. (Source: 1News)
"For parents, please ensure you’re in contact with your school and ensure appropriate welfare support is made available for your children," she said.
Whittaker said police were investigating the death on behalf of the coroner and were not yet able to release further information about the boy.
"This is a tragic event for our community, and our thoughts are with his family today who are coming to terms with what has happened. I know the community will have them in their thoughts as well."
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