Heartbroken family embrace at emotional funeral for beloved girl, 15, killed in crash
Mourners gathered at St Theresa's Catholic Church in Blacon, Chester, today for the funeral of 15-year-old Jessica Baker, who died in a motorway coach crash on September 29
The family members of a teenager who was tragically killed in a crash last month gathered today to give her a final goodbye.
Jessica Baker[1], 15, was pronounced dead after a collision on the northbound carriageway in Wirral on September 29. Alongside her, driver Stephen Shrimpton, 40, was also killed when a school coach overturned on the M53 near junction five at Hooton, Cheshire, on September 29.
Today mourners, wearing black and some carrying flowers, filled St Theresa's Catholic Church in Blacon, Chester, for Jessica's funeral, with a video link to the school next door for those who could not fit in. The front of the order of service showed a graphic of a climber, with a backdrop of mountains and trees, in memory of Jessica who represented the North West and Wales in climbing competitions across the UK.
It also featured photos of Jessica, including one of her as a baby and one of her holding a football. The family asked for donations to charity Climbers Against Cancer in memory of the teenager.
Jessica's family arrived at the church walking behind the hearse which carried the coffin and floral tributes, including one which spelt her name. Her parents Sean and Sarah and sister Rebecca spoke at the service and tributes were paid by her high school and climbing club.
Her headteacher Simeon Clarke was among the mourners. Hymns including Abide With Me and Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer were sung and the poem She Is Gone was read.
Following the service, members of her family tearfully embraced each other outside the church before the cortege travelled to Blacon Crematorium. After her death, her family said Jessica loved all sports but "her overriding passion" was for both indoor and outdoor climbing.
References
- ^ Jessica Baker (www.mirror.co.uk)