Donations pour in for family of boy killed by school bus in Kleinburg
Matteo Caputi 'loved country music and loved playing the drums'
Article content
The child fatally struck by a school bus in York Region on Wednesday is being remembered as a “happy little boy” as community members rally to support his grieving family.
York Regional Police said six-year-old Matteo Caputi was hit by the bus in the area of Pierre Berton Blvd. and Kleinburg Summit Way in Kleinburg and died at the scene around 7:55 a.m.
A GoFundMe to help the boy’s family had surpassed $127,000 with more than 1,400 donations as of mid-afternoon Thursday.
The campaign was started by ReMax Premier Inc., where Matteo’s grandmother, Luisa, works.
“Matteo will always be remembered as a happy little boy who lit up the lives of everyone who was lucky enough to have known him,” the organizers wrote.
“He was a cherished son, brother, grandson and nephew. He loved country music and loved playing the drums. He adored his little brother Luca very much.”
The fundraiser says the money is “to support the family,” adding, “Together we can help this family through this unimaginable loss. Luisa, we are thinking of you and your family during this heartbreaking time.”
One donor wrote: “I can’t imagine the pain and suffering your family is in at this time. This is the worst it can possibly get. My condolences and my thoughts are with you and your family.”
Another donor commented: “Sending our condolences to the family. Let’s contribute to making the neighbourhood safer for all the little ones here!”
Mental health and spiritual support workers were at Caputi’s school on Thursday with Mark Brosens, a spokesperson with the York Catholic District School Board, saying the workers were available to anyone who needed support after the little boy’s death.
Brosens said the boy’s family has asked for privacy.
Investigators with the York Regional Police Major Collision Investigation Unit are asking any witnesses or those with dashcam or surveillance footage to contact them at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7704 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
– with files from The Canadian Press
Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.