The family of the young girl who tragically lost her life when a school bus overturned on the M53 in Wirral has described her as “warm-hearted and truly wonderful.”
Jessica Baker, aged 15, and the bus driver, Stephen Shrimpton, aged 40, both lost their lives in the accident that occurred on Friday.
The family further shared that she had a passion for rock climbing and that her untimely passing has left an immense void in their lives that can never be replaced.
They went on to describe Jessica as a “dedicated sister and loyal friend.”
Jessica’s head teacher at West Kirby Grammar, Simeon Clarke, described her as “unassuming, polite and conscientious”.
“Unequivocally kind and empathetic, Jessica was a dedicated friend who was a well-liked and respected member of our school community,”
Mr. Clarke said Jessica was a “keen sportswoman” who had represented Wales in rock-climbing competitions.
Her family said Jessica enjoyed helping younger climbers and she would be “missed by many from not only school but also the climbing community across the country”.
The coach, transporting over 50 students from Cheshire who attend West Kirby Grammar School and Calday Grange Grammar School, was involved in the collision around 08:00 BST near junction 5 at Hooton.
Four passengers required hospitalisation for medical attention, while 13 others sustained minor injuries.
In a fundraising effort for Mr. Shrimpton’s funeral, his family disclosed that the father of two had experienced a medical issue while driving.
Police have indicated that post-mortem examinations are scheduled to determine the causes of both fatalities.
The coach was part of a group of buses transporting other students who also witnessed the incident.
In a tribute on Saturday, Mr Shrimpton’s family described him as a “caring and thoughtful man who would always prioritise others over himself”.
