MANSFIELD, Mass. (
MyFoxBoston.com) -- Young, grieving friends left flowers, stuffed animals and candles at a makeshift memorial on East St., in Mansfield, where a 13-year-old boy was
hit and killed by a school bus on Wednesday.
Family identified the victim as Shane Farrell, a seventh-grader at Qualters Middle School.
"Shane was a remarkable young man who touched the lives of many people," the Farrell family said in a statement sent to FOX25 News. "Our hearts are sad but we take comfort in the wonderful memories we have with him and knowing that he is now with the Lord."
Shane had been riding his bicycle home from school around 2 p.m., when he was hit by the bus with about 30 children on board.
The boy likely lost his balance before slipping under the bus, a family friend said.
"I can't even imagine what his poor parents are going through," said Lisa Wiseman, whose son was Shane's classmate. "It affects the whole community. When you have a child that age, it hits home."
Wiseman left a rose at his memorial, as dozens of kids visited the site after school let out, hugging one another in tears.
Mobile app users, click here to view the photo gallery. "He was a really nice kid. He was a really fun person to be around," said 13-year-old friend Jack Larochelle. "You never saw him be mean to anyone. Overall, a very respectful person."
Grief counselors were available at school on Thursday.
"Everyone was sad. First period was probably the saddest part of all. Like, everyone was crying," Jack said. "We're all going to work together to get over it, but it's going to be hard."
State and local police are investigating the accident, as well as the county district attorney's office.
The Mansfield School Superintendent's Office declined to release further information Thursday, including details about the bus company and driver.
Michael J. Connolly and Sons, a school bus company with a route in the area, refused to comment on Thursday and hung up on FOX25 News.
A family friend has set up an account at the following fundraising site to help pay for Shane's funeral expenses:
http://www.gofundme.com/w8naas.
