Family remembers 6-year-old killed by school bus
The family of 6-year-old Thomas Wedman is remembering him as "the happiest little boy in the universe."
Thomas, who was a grade two student at École Marie Poburan, was killed Friday while walking to school with his father and older brother.
Thomas' father Jeff Wedman said Thomas ran ahead to wait at the corner of Sir Winston Churchill Avenue and Woodlands Road, where a school bus was about to turn the corner.
Wedman said it looked like the bus would stop, so Thomas stepped onto the road. But instead, the bus continued on and hit Thomas.
His father says he fell under the tires and died instantly.
Family releases two statements
The family released two statements Saturday, thanking people for their support.
The first message was posted Saturday morning on the Community of St. Albert Facebook page.
“My son was the happiest little boy in the universe," the statement, signed "Sheri, Jeff, Ethan and Isaac," reads.
"[Thomas] filled our lives with pure joy every day and I am devastated that his life has been cut short. As a family we will get over this tragedy and create a new normal but we never forget him. Hug your kids and families and keep us in your prayers.”
In a second statement, sent to CBC News on Saturday afternoon, Jeff Wedman writes "Thomas was a happy-go-lucky boy who brightened the lives of everyone around him. His death has left a hole in our hearts that is incomprehensible. Our lives will never be the same and it will take love, faith and time to come to grips with not being able to hold him in our arms anymore."
Family asks for no memorial
The Wedman family is asking that no memorial be set up where Thomas died.
“My son and many other students from the school walk by this corner on a daily basis,” reads the family statement posted on Facebook.
“I do not want these children or anyone else to have to relive this moment every day with the constant reminder. Rather, I want people to remember him for the lovable fun loving free spirited child that he was.”
Instead, Thomas' father would like people who wish to remember Thomas to donate to the Alberta organ donor program, "to help improve this worthy undertaking that is able to salvage a small piece of goodness from terrible tragedy."
"Thomas’ heart valves were donated to the Alberta organ donor program where they will improve the lives of two other needy children. It is hoped that the love and happiness he always had in his heart will follow to the recipients," Jeff Wedman writes.
Thomas would have turned seven on October 14.