Tributes to the beloved children’s doctor Victor Calvagna, who today succumbed to injuries he sustained when he was hit by a car, have flooded in from across the board.

Many prominent figures took to social media to offer their tributes to Calvagna and to offer their condolences to those close to him.

Calvagna, a well-known oncologist and president and founder of Puttinu Cares, was critically injured after being hit by a car last week while he was out running in Qawra. He passed away earlier today, at the age of 63.

President George Vella, himself a doctor, led the tributes.

“Saddened by the irreparable loss of the much-respected paediatric consultant oncologist, Dr Victor Calvagna,” he said.

“Our thoughts are with his bereaved family and friends. May his legacy of care for the most vulnerable inspire many to follow in his footsteps,” he added.

Prime Minister Robert Abela meanwhile said that Calvagna would never be forgotten.  “No word which is said will ever be enough to describe the good he did,” he said.

Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne meanwhile described Calvagna as a "friend and a colleague" and a man who was "sincere, competent, and correct." "He was loved by thousands of children and families. Malta has lost a true hero."

PN leader Bernard Grech meanwhile said that he knew Calvagna as a man of few words but with a big heart, even if during a game of 5-a-side.

“You gave your heart, your life, and your abilities to many people, not just patients,” Grech said.

Grech said that the good which Calvagna had done would not be forgotten and that the lives he had saved, the hearts he had touch, and the hope he had given was a lot.  He said that the Maltese and Gozitan people were thankful for him.

“The angels to whom you gave so much of your time, heart, and energy are waiting for you.  You will remain in our hearts,” Grech said.

Former PD leader and ADPD candidate Anthony Buttigieg, who is also a doctor, described Calvagna as someone who came across as reserved, reticent either, yet he was a person who saved many lives.

“Humanity is not defined by competence.  It is defined by being humane. An increasingly rare attribute. Victor possessed enough for a nation. Our nation has just become a lot poorer,” Buttigieg wrote.

The organisation Ramiro & Friends – which was set up by Ramiro Mallia, a cancer survivor who tragically died last year as a result of a heater gas leak – expressed its sadness at Calvanga’s passing.

“You left us and joined those angels who you cared about and helped so much. Ramiro, who looked at you with so much inspiration, is one of them.  You shocked us and left behind a valley of tears. But you have left a family in Puttinu Caries which has helped, and continues to help, so many children and youths with cancer,” the group said.

“Thank you for everything. Ramiro could not stay without you, and he wanted you with him. Rest in peace,” it added.

Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri said that he knew Calvagna as a doctor who had healed hundreds of children, but that he knew a more personal side of him as well, because the doctor’s brother Brian is a member of his secretariat.

“His brother always spoke with a sense of great admiration towards him and he mentioned many times his dedication towards patients and their families. He would tell me about his generosity and how since he became a doctor, he never stopped working to help those in need,” the minister said.

“Even though Victor isn’t with us, I am sure that all the good he has done will be remembered for many years to come.  Malta has lost a gentleman,” he said.

Camilleri shared a picture of Calvagna speaking at an event organised by Fgura United Football Club.  It’s Camilleri’s home-town, and also the football club which Calvagna himself used to play with until he stopped to focus on his profession.

Calvagna was later made an honorary president of Fgura United FC, who themselves also issued a statement mourning his loss.

The club also announced that they would be renaming their main hall after him, in his memory, and be placing a donation box at the club in aid of Puttinu Cares.

Countless other MPs, officials, individuals, and organisations also posted their tributes and condolences to Calvagna, who will certainly be remembered for many years to come.