A boy who died after he was hit by a car was crossing a busy road because the underpass was flooded, his family told The Argus.

Now they are demanding action to ensure no other family has to go through a similar ordeal.

Tyler Wills, 12, was hit in Crawley Avenue, Crawley, at around 2.45pm on Friday afternoon and died in hospital.

His stepfather Pete Fraser said the Ifield Community College pupil tried to cross the road because of the flooded underpass, which regularly fills with water.

The 35-year-old said: “I have lived in Crawley my entire life, I don’t remember a time in my life where that underpass hasn’t flooded in winter time.

“When I was a child, we would run across that road every day. It puts things into perspective.

“I want to ask the council why it hasn’t been sorted already and why it’s still flooding. Now someone has died because of it, I do not want any other family to have to go through this because an underpass was flooded.

The Argus: The underpass going underneath Crawley Avenue pictured being drained on SundayThe underpass going underneath Crawley Avenue pictured being drained on Sunday (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

“There aren’t words to describe what we’re feeling. They need to sort it out. Even if it saves one more child’s life, it’s worth however much it costs.”

Workmen were seen on Saturday and Sunday draining the underpass.

Tyler’s father Craig Wills is starting a petition for improvements at the underpass to make sure it does not flood again.

There are also calls for a crossing and speed camera to be put in on the road above.

The Argus: Tributes were laid near the sceneTributes were laid near the scene (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

People on social media claim they have seen many children and parents crossing the road due to the flooded underpass.

Pete added: “They were pumping water a few days after, which is adding insult to injury, whether that was because they were doing it anyway or they had heard the news. It was bad timing.

“There is no crossing very near to there. They were children being impatient, going out to have fun. If you see a crossing half a mile down the road, you’re not necessarily going to go to it.”

Flowers, tributes and a picture of Tyler, of Arnfield Close, Crawley, have been laid near the crash scene and candles and teddy bears have been placed on railings nearby.

A fundraiser has been set up by friends of the family which has already raised more than £12,000 to pay for funeral costs and a gravestone.

The Argus: Tyler was walking home when he was hit by the carTyler was walking home when he was hit by the car (Image: Sussex Police)

A tribute at the scene from Tyler’s parents calls him “our darling boy Tyler”.

It says: “The first thing we remember is your gorgeous smile, your kind heart and how caring you were towards everyone.

"The memories you’ve left us will stay with us for ever.

“We hope you are smiling up there looking down on us. As we know you’re the brightest star shining in that night time sky.”

Sussex Police have urged any witnesses to the crash to get in touch.

In a statement, West Sussex County Council said: "Our thoughts and condolences go to those who have been affected by this tragedy.

"The incident is under investigation by the police and therefore any comment at the present time would not be appropriate."