Tributes pour in for ‘kind & empathetic’ Jessica Baker, 15, who died alongside driver after school coach overturned
HEARTBREAKING tributes have poured in for the 15-year-old schoolgirl killed in the M53 coach crash.
Jessica Baker died alongside bus driver Stephen Shrimpton when their vehicle overturned in Wirral on Friday at 8.30am.
Headteacher of West Kirby Grammar School, Simeon Clarke said Jessica was “unequivocally kind and empathetic” and will be “greatly and sadly missed”.
In a tribute issued through Merseyside Police, Jessica’s family remembered her kind and loyal nature.
“Jessica was a warm-hearted, wonderful daughter, granddaughter and niece, devoted sister and loyal friend,” they said.
“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.”
The tributes come after Mr Shrimpton’s sister-in-law Emily Church said on a GoFundMe appeal that he suffered a “medical issue” while behind the wheel.
“I’m raising some funds for my brother-in-law’s funeral,” the page read.
“He tragically died in an accident on the M53 on the morning of the 29th of September, after suffering medical issues at the wheel while driving students to school.”
“He’s sadly left behind my sister who’s now a widow in her early thirties, and unfortunately a single mum along side his much loved two young children who are only 8 and 4, who are going to grow up without their beloved father.
“Any donations to this unexpected circumstance would be much appreciated to give Stephen a funeral he deserves.”
The vehicle was carrying more than 50 students from West Kirby, an all-girls grammar, and Calday Grange, an all-boys grammar school, in Merseyside.
Students caught up in the chaos were forced to climb out of the windows of the vehicle escape the wreckage, according to Mail Online.
Witnesses report having seen school kids fleeing from the smashed rear window of the bus while their traumatised pals travelling in a second bus were left watching on in horror.
Student Jessica was the sole other person besides the driver to die in the crash.
A total of 58 people were involved in the incident with 52 attending the emergency services training centre.
In a statement, Merseyside Police confirmed a bus had struck a reservation near Junction 5 and overturned.
Four others were taken to hospital, including a seriously injured 14-year-old boy.
Thirteen people sustained minor injuries.