Family mourns ‘warm and wonderful’ Jessica who died in M53 coach tragedy
The family and teachers of the schoolgirl killed in the M53 coach tragedy have paid tribute to the "warm-hearted and wonderful" 15-year-old. Jessica Baker died in the crash that also claimed the life of 40-year-old coach driver Stephen Shrimpton on Friday morning[1].
Through Merseyside Police, Jessica's family said she was "a warm-hearted, wonderful daughter, granddaughter and niece, devoted sister and loyal friend. A talented climber, based at the Boardroom Climbing centre academy where she helped coach younger climbers and competed around the country inspiring others.
“At the age of 15, just starting Year 11 at West Kirby Grammar School, where her focus was not just on academic work but also sports, representing the school at many events. Her untimely death has led to a massive void in our lives that will never be filled.
READ: Schoolgirl, 15, killed in M53 bus crash named by heartbroken family[2] | Jessica Baker died in the M53 coach tragedy
READ: Aerial images show devastation of M53 school bus crash[3] | More than 50 people were treated after coach overturned on busy motorway
“She will be missed by many, from not only school but also the climbing community across the country.”
Simeon Clarke, headteacher of West Kirby Grammar School for girls, where Jessica studied, said it was "hard to find the words to describe the tragic loss of one of our students", saying: "Our thoughts – and I know the thoughts of the wider school community – are with Jessica’s family and friends at this unimaginably sad and difficult time.
“Unequivocally kind and empathetic, Jessica was a dedicated friend who was a well-liked and respected member of our school community. She was an unassuming, polite and conscientious student who exemplified the values of our school.
“Jessica was also a keen sportswoman, representing her house and the school in numerous competitions, and demonstrating an unwavering love of – and commitment to – rock climbing, where she had previously represented Wales in national competitions. Jessica will be greatly and sadly missed by her friends, teammates, classmates, and all at West Kirby Grammar School who had the pleasure and privilege to encounter her.
The family of Stephen Shrimpton have paid tribute to him (Image: Merseyside Police)
“As we return to school this week, we will continue to work closely with her family and friends to ensure that we celebrate Jessica’s life in the most fitting way possible. These are difficult and challenging times, but I have always had and continue to have great belief in the strength of our community to support one another and pull together in times of need.
“We are extremely proud of the way in which students and the school community have responded to the events of Friday. We have already put in place a comprehensive programme of support for staff and students and we will look at how we might be able to develop this support further this week to parents and carers.”
An investigation into the cause of the crash, which happened near Hooton on the M53 at around 8am on Friday morning, is ongoing.
Anyone with information about the collision is asked to call the Matrix Serious Collision Investigation Unit on (0151) 777 5747 or [email protected][4] or contact @MerPolCC on Twitter or Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook quoting reference 23000944471.
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References
- ^ also claimed the life of 40-year-old coach driver Stephen Shrimpton on Friday morning (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)
- ^ Schoolgirl, 15, killed in M53 bus crash named by heartbroken family (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)
- ^ Aerial images show devastation of M53 school bus crash (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)
- ^ [email protected] (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)
- ^ Sign up for CheshireLive email direct to your inbox here (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)