The family of a 13-year-old boy who lost his life while cycling to school has honoured his memory, describing him as “the brightest star in the sky”.

Hussein Quig-Diop was on his way to school at around 8.30am on Wednesday when a collision with a lorry occurred on Shobnall Road in Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Staffordshire Police shared the family’s tribute to Hussein on Thursday, which read: “Hussein Quig-Diop, precious son of Roy and Kimberley, best big brother of Yussuf and Raymon and a much-loved grandson, nephew, cousin and friend to many, sadly lost his life tragically on 13 September 2023.

“We are all absolutely devastated and he’ll be missed more than we can put into words.

“He’s now the brightest star in the sky alongside his big brother Reagan.

“We want to thank the community for all the love and support during this time and ask that our privacy be respected whilst we grieve.”

The force expressed their sympathies to the family, who they said are being supported by specially-trained officers.

“We understand the distress this incident has caused amongst those who saw what happened and within the local community,” the force said.

“Our thoughts and condolences are very much with the boy’s friends and family at this deeply traumatic time.”

Hussein’s school have also paid tribute to him, describing him as “popular”.

“It is with great sadness that I have to share the news with you that Hussein Quig-Diop passed away yesterday. He will be dearly missed by all of our community,” JT Free School wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“Hussein was a very popular young man with many friends across all year groups.”

The driver of the white Renault lorry remained at the scene and is cooperating with the ongoing police investigation.

A GoFundMe page, set up by a friend of the boy’s mother, Kimberley Tams, has surpassed its £20,000 target, with more than £23,000 raised as of Thursday evening.

The page said that Ms Tams “had four sons and now two have passed away”.

“So I just thought maybe the community could work together and help her give her son the best send off as he could have.”

It added that a funeral date has not yet been set.

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