He had been in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after suffering head injuries in a hit-and-run accident on Better Hope Public Road last August 29.

His mother, Sabrina said they had been at the institution since 05:30 h and they got the sad news around 06:40 h.

Relatives said his death was an abrupt end to his dream of one day becoming an international cyclist. With a passion for cycling, he had been a member of the Hassan Mohammed Cycling Association.

The boy and his father were riding on Better Hope Public Road two Saturdays ago, as a training routine around 05:20 h, after leaving their Ogle home, also on East Coast Demerara, when they were struck from behind by a speeding motor car whose driver did not stop.

However, Police traced the motorist, arrested and charged him, before he was released on bail.

The injured father and son were hospitalised with Viveekanand suffering the worst.

The former pupil of Graham’s Hall Primary School has been awarded a place at Cummings Lodge Secondary School after writing the National Grade Six Assessment Examinations but never got a chance to begin schooling there as the fatal mishap occurred days before he was to start.

His mother recalled how excited he was about the upcoming school term and being able to attend his new school.

“His clothes and books were all ready and he ensured that he papered all his books. Everything was neatly packed and it seemed the first day of school could not come early enough for him,” she said.

The last of three siblings, Viveekanand was described as a pleasant, loving and dutiful child, the baby of the family who was well liked by all others with whom he also came into contact with.

He is expected to be buried today after a post mortem examination that was scheduled for yesterday.

* DEAD: Viveekanand Rudradeo

* The cycles on which Suresh and Viveekanand Rudradeo were riding when they were struck by the speeding motor car.