HEARTBROKEN mum Caroline Hannah has said that she would lay down her life to have her son back.

The family of seven-year-old crash victim Tyrese Hannah has paid tribute to a loving, caring and energetic boy who adored his pet dog Odi, who died in the accident.

Tyrese, of Eastern Avenue, Walcot, had been out walking his dog Odi, with his mum, when a car lost control and hit him in Drove Road on Friday evening.

Caroline was holding the dog as Lethbridge School pupil Tyrese walked ahead. He was instantly knocked unconscious.

He died five and a half hours later at the Great Western Hospital.

"When he died I died with him," said 34-year-old Caroline describing her only child as a loving boy who would always help others.

"I would lay down my life to have him back.

"Tyrese was my world and he filled it with love, laughter and life.

"He was my miracle baby, as a top surgeon in the US said I couldn't have children.

"He was my little angel, full of life and had so much to give.

"Tyrese would always be smiling and always put other people first.

"He brought so much joy to my life - we were a team. I read him a bedtime story every night and he would always give me cuddles.

"He was very cheeky and if he did do something silly he'd say Oh mummy, I love you'."

Caroline said that Tyrese would go everywhere with his dog Odi.

Tyrese was walking the Labrador-collie cross when he was knocked down. The family has decided that when Tyrese is buried his beloved pet will be buried alongside him.

"He loved Odi," added Caroline.

"I would often hear them early in the morning chasing each other around the house and under the table. They were inseparable."

Three weeks ago sports-loving Tyrese was signed up to the Swindon Rugby Club under seven's team and was awarded the man of the match trophy in his debut game against Bradford on Avon.

"He scored three tries and was a complete natural," said proud Caroline.

Since the accident Caroline has made two tearful visits to the spot where her son died, leaving a cuddly toy and messages.

Tyrese was born in Maryland, on the East coast of America and moved to Swindon aged 18 months.

Tyrese's dad Ranson Hannah Junior, 40, flew in to the UK on Saturday after hearing the tragic news.

Swindon police met him at Heathrow and drove him to the Great Western Hospital.

"Tyrese enjoyed eating fish and chips when I came to visit," he said.

"He loved the outdoors and wasn't afraid of anything."

The family wants to see speed cameras, speed bumps and 30mph signs put in place to prevent further tragedies.

Tyrese's family also called for the minimum age for drivers be raised from 17 to 21.

They also said that traffic calming measures should be introduced in Drove Road now.

Funeral arrangements have yet to be decided.

  • A 19-year-old man from north Swindon was arrested after the crash.