The family of Jessica Baker, the 15-year-old student who died when a school bus overturned on the M53 in Wirral, has described her as being “warm-hearted and wonderful.” Alongside the driver of the bus, Stephen Shrimpton, who also lost his life, Jessica lost her life on Friday when the vehicle hit a reservation. Jessica was a keen rock-climber who represented Wales and had “led to a massive void in our lives that will never be filled.” Her headteacher, Simeon Clarke, described her as “unassuming, polite, and conscientious”, as well as being an exceptional sportswoman who had represented Wales in various rock-climbing competitions as well as being a dedicated friend. Her family said she also mentored younger climbers and would be “missed by many from not only school but also the climbing community across the country”.
The coach was transporting more than 50 students from West Kirby Grammar School and Calday Grange Grammar School when the incident occurred during the morning rush hour. The Schools have been working very hard to support the children and both Margaret Greenwood, the Labour MP for the Wirral, whose constituency includes both schools, and Barbara Flynn-Southern, who worked with the driver at a food bank in Ellesmere Port, have described these students as “very tightly-knit school communities.” Despite four passengers being taken to hospital for further treatment after the crash, and 13 others sustaining minor injuries, the schools have come together to commemorate Jessica’s life.
Mr. Shrimpton’s family has explained that their father had a medical issue whilst driving, and they have started a fundraiser to contribute towards his funeral costs. Post-mortem examinations are going to be carried out to establish the cause of both deaths. Many parents were understandably panicked, given the circumstances of the accident, but information was disseminated as quickly as possible. However, this will be a profoundly traumatic event for those children involved and the community more widely.
The school will work with Jessica’s family and celebrate her life by assembling a remembrance tree in tribute to her. Mr. Shrimpton was described as a “caring and thoughtful man who would always prioritize others over himself” by his family. The school has expressed their pride in the way that students and the school community have responded to the events of Friday
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