Beau Croucher: Family pay tribute to 'beautiful' boy, 14, who died after being hit by bus

The family of a 14-year-old boy who died after being struck by a bus have paid tribute to their "beautiful" child and said they were "blessed with an angel".

Beau Croucher died in hospital on Wednesday after the incident close to Portsmouth's travel interchange The Hard around 4.25pm on Monday.

The bus driver, a 39-year-old man from Portsmouth, was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving before being released on bail until 17 November.

Beau's family have since paid tribute in a statement released through Hampshire Constabulary.

It said: "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 is our absolute world. Our heartbeat. Our obsession. Our beautiful, innocent baby boy.

"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."

Beau was Portsmouth FC's "number one fan" and watched games at their stadium Fratton Park with his dad and grandad, the family added.

Last week, the family were on holiday in London to celebrate his birthday, before spending time in Cornwall.

The statement went on: "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."

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A note left at the scene at The Hard read: "To Beau, RIP Fly High. I will never forget our memories. We had such a good time in science.

"Can't believe what happened. We will all miss you lots. Forever 14."

(c) Sky News 2026: Beau Croucher: Family pay tribute to 'beautiful' boy, 14, who died after being hit by bus