'Hearts are shattered' but family grateful for support following son's death in road traffic incident

Aaron Hussain, 5, was fatally injured close to his home at Kilminchy in Portlaoise, Co Laois, on Saturday.

The mother of a five-year-old boy who died in a road traffic incident over the weekend has said “our hearts are shattered”, but that the family is thankful for all the support they have received since the death. 

Aaron Hussain was fatally injured close to his home at Kilminchy in Portlaoise, Co Laois, on Saturday at around 4.20pm.

The child was rushed to the Midlands Regional Hospital in Portlaoise, where he was later pronounced dead.

The female driver of the car, aged in her 40s, was not injured.

Writing on her Facebook page on Monday evening, alongside two black and white photos of her with her son, Aaron's mother Irina Novikova wrote: “Our hearts are shattered, but we are overwhelmed by the love and support from all of you. 

We cannot express how much it means to us during this unimaginable time

“It’s hard to believe how many lives our little Aaron touched in his five beautiful years. He was a child full of joy, kindness, and a heart bigger than words can describe.

“Though we are unable to respond to each of you, please know we see and feel your love. Thank you for holding us in your hearts as we try to navigate this heartbreaking reality.” 

School tributes

The community of Portlaoise has since paid tribute to the little boy who was in junior infants in Portlaoise Educate Together National School.

His parents Tauqir Hussain and Irina Novikova are well known in the local business community.

Mr Hussain is involved in a barber’s shop in Lyster Square and Ms Novikov in the Lash Studio by Irina in Kealew Business Park.

Ms Novikova announced her son's death on Facebook on Sunday afternoon saying: "With deep sorrow, we share the heartbreaking loss of our little son, Aaron. Rest in peace our little angel."

Gardaí in Portlaoise have launched an appeal for information after the collision.

They said: “Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in Kilminchy, Portlaoise, Co Laois, between 4pm and 5pm on Saturday are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Portlaoise Garda Station on 057 867 4100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.”