Girl killed in M53 coach crash was ‘talented’ climber who …
A teenage girl who tragically died after a school coach crash on the M53 motorway last week was a “talented” climber who represented Wales in competitions. The devastated family of Jessica Baker have paid tribute to the 15-year-old, saying her death has left a “massive void” in their lives that “will never be filled,” reports WalesOnline.[1][2]
Her family said she was a “talented climber” who was based at the Boardroom Climbing centre academy in Pentre, Deeside. Jessica’s family added in a statement released through Merseyside Police: “Jessica 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. She will be missed by many, from not only school but also the climbing community across the country.”
Jessica was one of two people who died after the coach overturned on the northbound M53 near junction five at Hooton, Cheshire, at around 8am on Friday. Her headteacher also paid tribute describing Jessica as “unequivocally kind and empathetic” and saying she will be “greatly and sadly missed” by all at West Kirby Grammar.
Simeon Clarke said: “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.”
Coach driver Stephen Shrimpton, 40, who was remembered by his family as a “loving husband and father”, also died. His family said: “Stephen was a loving husband and father to his wife and his wonderful children, a caring and thoughtful man who would always prioritise others over himself. Stephen will be sadly missed by all his friends and family.”
Post-mortem examinations will be carried out next week to establish the causes of death, police said. A total of 58 people were involved in the incident.
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Four children who were taken to hospital – including a 14-year-old boy whose injuries are said to be life-changing – are in stable conditions, according to the force. Others were handled at an emergency training centre, with 13 treated for minor injuries before they were released.
The force is appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage from drivers near the incident. Anyone with information about the crash should call the Matrix Serious Collision Investigation Unit on (0151) 777 5747, or [email protected], or contact @MerPolCC on Twitter, or the Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook quoting reference 23000944471.
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References
- ^ tragically died after a school coach crash (www.dailypost.co.uk)
- ^ reports WalesOnline. (www.walesonline.co.uk)
- ^ Every mobile speed camera location in North Wales for October 2023 (www.dailypost.co.uk)
- ^ Innocent holiday snap in Gwynedd revealed something ‘scary’ in the background (www.dailypost.co.uk)
- ^ Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter (www.dailypost.co.uk)