THE heartbroken mother of a nine-year-old Irish boy killed in a 'hit-and-run' in Tenerife says her world has "fallen apart".
Carter Carson from Newtonabbey, Co. Antrim, was struck by a car while on holiday with dad Stuart and step-mum Clair on Thursday and died a day later in hospital.
The car believed to have been involved was later found abandoned a few miles from the shopping centre in Adeje where Carter was struck.
Spanish police confirmed two men have been arrested over the incident.
Carlene O'Connor today paid tribute to her son, who she said was a "smart, fun-loving, football-crazy young fellow who brought happiness to everyone".
She told the Belfast Telegraph: "He touched the hearts of so many people – everyone loved him.
"I miss him so much.
Seguimos buscando al conductor de este coche rojo que el jueves 29 atropelló a un niño de 10 años en #Adeje, #Tenerife, y se dio a la fuga. El pequeño falleció.
Si tienes cualquier información🔜
📞091 pic.twitter.com/yC2sS5R1Fn— Policía Nacional (@policia) March 31, 2018
"He was just the funniest, most wonderful boy. Smart, fun-loving, caring - he had the biggest heart and the most gorgeous smile."
Carlene also recalled the unimaginably painful moment she found out about the incident.
She added: "On Thursday, I got the unthinkable phone call that every parent dreads, telling me that my beautiful son had been involved in a tragic accident while on holiday with his dad and family.
"My heart sank. I didn't want to believe what I was hearing.
"My world instantly fell apart, to think that my baby boy had gained his angel wings – just as his wee life was really beginning.
"There are just no words to describe this horrific tragedy."
Friends and loved-ones of Carter have already raised more than €13,000 towards funeral costs on his JustGiving page.
Speaking yesterday, Stuart Carson described his son as "daddy's wee superstar".
He added: “Carter was our world, with a smile that touched so many hearts.”
See More: Carter Carson, Hit And Run, Irish Boy, Irish Mum, Tenerife
