THE school of a five-year-old boy who died after a being struck by a car in Co Laois has told how he was “adored by his classmates”.
Aaron Hussain tragically lost his life after he was hit by a car not far from his home while out playing in the Kilminchy area of Portlaoise at around 4.20pm on Saturday.
The schoolboy was rushed to hospital but pronounced dead a short time later and the driver, a woman in her 40s, was not injured.
Aaron’s heartbroken parents, dad Tauqir Hussain, who is involved in a local barber shop, and mum Irina Novikova who runs a beauty studio, confirmed that their beloved boy will be laid to rest on Thursday.
A notice online said: “It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved son Aaron Hussain, aged 5 who tragically left us on the 22nd February 2025.
“Cherished son on Tauqir Hussain and Irina Novikova and loving brother to Adam.
“Aaron was a bright and loving child who brought joy to all who knew him.
“He will be deeply missed by his heartbroken parents, brother, extended family, friends, his classmates at Educate Together and the wider Portlaoise Community.”
Portlaoise Educate Together National School, where Aaron was a Junior Infant pupil, yesterday told how they are “devastated” at the tragic loss of their “wonderful” student Aaron.
A touching tribute added: “He was so adored by his classmates and he will be sorely missed by all within our school community, in particular his teachers and the staff who worked with him so memorably and enjoyably.
“Our thoughts are with his family and especially with his brother Adam and his parents.”
The Classic Barbers in Portlaoise, where Aaron’s dad Tauqir works, told how the schoolboy was the “biggest helper” at the business.
It said: “Thank you for all and each of you for support in this heartbreaking loss of our so beloved Aaron, he was biggest helper in shop. He touched so many hearts.
“We are sorry if we can’t catch-up with all of your supporting and loving massages. We feel love and support by all of you.
“We pray to God Allah that Hussain and his family would be comforted with peace and love in this hard time.”
MUM’S PAIN
Aaron’s heartbroken family confirmed that he will be reposing at Keegan’s Funeral Home from 11am tomorrow.
Removal will take place at 1pm to SS Peter and Paul’s Cemetery, Portlaoise arriving at 1:30pm for interment prayers and burial.
Mum Irina urged all those involved in Aarons life to attend.
She said: “With heavy hearts, we invite all who knew and loved our little angel, Aaron, to join us in saying our final goodbyes.”
Irina yesterday thanked all those who have supported the family, who have been living in the area for a number of years, during this difficult time and opened up trying to navigate a new “heartbreaking reality”.
She said: “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.
‘HEARTBREAKING REALITY’
“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.”
Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact them.
A spokesperson said: “Any road users who may have camera footage, including dash-cam, and were travelling in Kilminchy, Portlaoise, Co. Laois between 4pm and 5pm this afternoon are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardai.
“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.”
