A Fredericton family is mourning the loss of their eight-year-old son after he was struck by a car and killed on Sunday afternoon.

Police say the boy was playing in his neighbourhood when he was hit by a vehicle shortly after 4 p.m.

“He was transported to the hospital, where he died a short time later as a result of his injuries,” said Fredericton police Staff Sgt. Mike Hudson.

A friend of the boy’s family identified him as Jackson Wright, a student at Connaught Street Elementary School.

He said the boy’s family is devastated by the events.

School board officials said a crisis response team was in the school on Monday to help students and staff cope with the tragedy.

Police say they are continuing their investigation, but say no other information is available at this time.

“This incident was unexpected and a tragic event and we are abiding by the family's wishes not to release further information as they deal with this horrible situation,” Hudson said.

A funeral for the boy is planned for Wednesday afternoon.

Thewoman driving the car involved in the incidentwas not injured.

With files from The Canadian Press and CTV Atlantic’s Andy Campbell