Family requests speed limit reduction after 11-year-old’s death

The family of an 11-year-old boy, who passed away following a collision with a car outside his school, has requested a reduction in the road’s speed limit. Evan Rothwell was hit by a grey Nissan Qashqai near Kings School on Wrexham Road, Chester, at approximately 17:12 GMT on 12 November. He sustained serious injuries and received treatment at the site before being transported to Alder Hey Hospital by air ambulance, but succumbed to his injuries four days later. Cheshire Police stated that the force is still investigating the incident’s circumstances, and no arrests have been made. The 28-year-old female driver of the vehicle was uninjured, and officers are seeking witnesses or anyone with relevant information or CCTV footage. In a released statement, Evan’s family, who reside in Chester, expressed that they were “shocked and devastated” by the loss of their “beautiful son”. They conveyed: “Evan loved life and used his talents to entertain and bring joy to others. “Evan lit up the world around him when he was making friends laugh with jokes and magic tricks, playing cricket with his friends, performing with Ama-sing on Britain’s Got Talent and entertaining audiences as part of the Chester Scout’s Gang Show.”He made us proud every day.” The speed limit on the road where Evan was struck is currently 40mph. “This road is outside a school, and we strongly feel that this needs to be lowered to prevent anything like this from happening again.” Cheshire West and Chester Council has been approached for a statement regarding the matter. Emily Sherrif, Evan’s head of year at his school, characterized the student as “kindness personified”. She stated: “There has not been a single student who we have encountered over the past week who hasn’t made a comment on the happiness Evan carried with him throughout the school day.” Sgt Russell Sime remarked: “We understand that this was distressing incident and our thoughts remain with the victim’s family at this difficult time.” To hear the best of BBC Radio Merseyside, access Sounds and connect with BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can also be submitted to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk and through Whatsapp at 0808 100 2230. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC assumes no responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.