7-Year-Old Boy, Younger Brother Killed By Unlicensed Driver While Walking With Mother

A 7-year-old boy and his younger brother were killed after an unlicensed driver struck them while the siblings were walking with their mother. The incident happened in Australia.

On Tuesday evening, Shane and his 6-year-old brother, Sheldon, were walking home from a local pool in Wellington, New South Wales, when a car coming at an excessive speed hit them, killing the siblings on the spot.

The driver, identified as 25-year-old Jacob Donn, who fled the scene instead of assisting the victims, was arrested the same evening and charged with several offenses, including dangerous driving causing death, dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm, driving without a license and failing to stop and assist after a fatal crash. He was refused bail and was scheduled to appear in court Thursday.

The siblings' mother and two other children were also injured in the crash. The three remained hospitalized as of Wednesday and were reported to be stable.

Calling the incident a "complete tragedy," NSW Police Acting Superintendent Natalie Antaw told local media, "The incident was a complete tragedy for the families and the township of Wellington. This is a tragic incident involving young children... children makes it that much more difficult, our hearts go out to the families."

Local reports said the siblings lived with their father in Queensland and were in Wellington to visit their mother and grandparents. Shane was to celebrate his eighth birthday Friday and was planning three parties across New South Wales.

The boys' father, Joseph Shorey, told the Sydney Morning Herald that the fatal accident has deprived the world of two "cheeky, lovable, sporty show-offs."

"I am totally shattered and heartbroken. It is like a nightmare," he said.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family cover the funeral costs.

"On the 5th of January 2021, the Shorey family lost 2 amazing boys, Shane & Sheldon to a tragic hit and run accident. I am Mariah Burton, a close friend and we have created this GoFundMe to support the Shorey family in their time of need. The funds raised will be sent to the father of the children, Joseph Paul Shorey to be used for funeral costs so he can bury his boys with dignity and pride," the page said.