Teen hit by car will be 'sorely missed'

Photo / NZ Herald

A teenager killed while crossing a road in Christchurch had a "bit of a spark to him" and will be sorely missed, his school headmaster says.

Joshua Lewis Anderson, 14, was hit by a car while crossing the road at the Woolston intersection of Dyers Road and Ferry Road about 6.30pm last night.

"From initial enquiries it appears Anderson and a friend had been walking west on the north side of Ferry Road," said Detective Sergeant Richard Quested.

"Near the roundabout at Dyers Road the two boys have crossed the road and one of them has been hit by a vehicle that was exiting the roundabout north on Dyers Road."

"This is a tragedy for the teenager's family, and victim support services have been arranged for his family as well as for the driver of the car."

Joshua was a year nine pupil at Christchurch Boys High School. His death was a "headmaster's worst nightmare", said headmaster Trevor McIntyre.

Mr McIntyre said he occasionally spoke with Joshua when he came across him on the school grounds and he was very friendly and had a "lovely smile".

"And he had a bit of a spark to him. He will be sorely missed."

A room had been set up at the school, with a photo of Joshua, where his friends could gather and speak about him or write messages about him.

Guidance counsellors were on hand to help those struggling with their loss.

Police have spoken to the driver of the car, and to a number of witnesses, but are appealing to anyone who saw the incident to contact police. Mr Quested said it was too early to determine whether any charges would be laid.