M53 crash: Family and headteacher pay heartfelt tribute to ‘kind and empathetic’ Jessica Baker
The family of a 15-year-old girl who was killed in a crash on the M53 have paid tribute to a ‘warm-hearted, wonderful’ daughter and sister.
Jessica Baker tragically died in the horror crash on the motorway[1] in Wirral, Merseyside, on Friday morning (September 29) after a school bus she was on struck a reservation and overturned. Stephen Shrimpton[2], who was driving the coach, also sadly lost his life.
Jessica’s family have now paid a heartfelt tribute to her, describing her as a ‘loyal friend’ who was a talented climber. Simeon Clarke, headteacher at West Kirby Grammar School who Jessica was a pupil, described her as ‘unequivocally kind and empathetic’.
In a statement issued through Merseyside Police today (October 1), her family said: “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.”
Mr Clarke said: “It is hard to find the words to describe the tragic loss of one of our students, Jessica Baker. 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.
The scene of the coach crash on the M53 (Image: PA)
“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. 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.
Stephen Shrimpton
“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 is ongoing into the crash. A total of 58 people were onboard the bus with four children, who were pupils at West Kirby all-girls grammar school and Calday Grange all-boys grammar school, taken to hospital.
A 14-year-old boy whose injuries were said to be life-changing was among the injured. Officers are continuing to appeal for witnesses and dash-cam footage.
Anyone with information about the collision is asked to call the Matrix Serious Collision Investigation Unit on (0151) 777 5747 or [email protected] or contact @MerPolCC on Twitter or Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook quoting reference 23000944471.
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References
- ^ horror crash on the motorway (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
- ^ Stephen Shrimpton (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
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- ^ Family and friends speak of shock after sudden death of ‘beautiful boy’ the day before mum’s birthday (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
- ^ by clicking here (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
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