The tragic death of Braydon Worldon occurred only hours after he celebrated his birthday on Tuesday.

His body was found on River Road, Wantabadgery, by a passing motorist about 1.30am on Wednesday.

Braydon’s mother, Crystal Worldon, paid tribute to him, saying“he was very kindhearted and always worried about everyone else before him”.

“He was very caring, loving and thoughtful – even to people he didn’t know,” Ms Worldon said.

“As well as fishing, he enjoyed working on the farm, mostly cattle work in the area.”

With Riverina police continuing their investigations, which include a possible hit and run, Ms Woldron is appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

“If it was a hit and run, they need to come forward,” she said.

“Why didn’t they stop and check?

“We won’t know for a fair while I dare say.”

Braydon is also described as having a big-picture mindset with a dream to work and save for a house in the region.

His great grandmother, June Worldon, said he was working to save so he could buy a house for the family.

“We cried a lot yesterday,” Mrs Woldron said.

“Braydon was little bad tempered but had a heart of gold and he’d do anything for you.

“I have an old lawn mower and thought I’d throw it away but he’d come down and mow my grass for me.

“He’s just a workaholic.”

Mrs Woldron said she believed he was walking to her place, which is about a 12km journey.

“It’s a long distance to walk and it was dark,” she said.

She also recalled seeing emergency lights speeding past her house on Wednesday morning.

“I could see red lights go past and thought I was seeing things,” Mrs Woldron said.

“Never in a million years did we think this would happen and it’s just something you’d never think about.

“It’s going to take a long time for it to sink in.”

At a media conference today, Wagga police Chief Inspector Andrew Spliet said a strike force was established to investigate the incident.

“We’ve managed to secure some CCTV footage from a local farm property,” Chief Inspector Spliet said.

“At this stage from our inquiries and examination of the scene, it appears that this young boy had been struck by a vehicle.

“As we mentioned yesterday, it might be the case that somebody had struck this young gentlemen and not realised they’ve hit a person.

“It’s a matter that I’d say somebody is losing a lot of sleep with if they’ve realised they have hit a person and hasn’t come forward.

“If you were travelling that road, make contact with us.”

Police also continue to investigate the reason for Braydon’s presence on the road at the time.

Anyone with more information is urged to contact Wagga Police Station on 6922 2599 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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