Patrick Bell, 17, was tragically killed while crossing Chisholm Street on Tuesday.

The Ballarat East Secondary College student recently celebrated his 17th birthday with his twin-sister.

Close friend Linda Dyson said Patrick’s family was distraught by his passing. 

“He was the most unbelievable kid in the world,” Ms Dyson said.

“He had a lot of ambition, he was a good kid.” 

The talented skater was a member of the Ballarat Roller Derby League and played with the Gold Diggers and The Rat Pack. 

Ms Dyson said Patrick had been competing in the sport with his mother for about two years.

“He was brilliant at derby, his dream was to represent Australia,” she said. 

Ms Dyson said Patrick had recently purchased new roller skates. 

“He only bought them four days ago and only got to wear them once.” 

Patrick is the eldest child and is survived by his mother, twin sister, two younger brothers and sister.

The Courier received a flood of tributes to the teenager on its Facebook page after the news broke.

“One of the best mates I've had in a while...RIP mate you'll be missed by everyone,” Riley Smith posted.

“RIP young man. Taken way to soon. My thoughts and heart goes out to the boy’s family and friends,” Lee Arnott posted. 

Emergency services were called to Chisholm Street, after a car travelling east bound struck the teenager at 1.15am. 

He was taken to Ballarat Health Services Base Hospital, but died a short time later. 

The driver of the car, a 34-year-old Brown Hill man, was arrested and is assisting police with their enquiries. 

Police were on scene between 1am until Tuesday noon. 

Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Detective Sergeant Mark Amos said police were in the preliminary stages of reconstructing the scene of the collision. 

Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the crash or the car’s movements in the lead up to come forward. 

Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.