A Cotswolds school has issued a moving tribute to three of its pupils after their “sudden and tragic” deaths. Harry Purcell, 17, and Matilda Seccombe, 16, and 16-year-old Frank Wormald died after the Ford Fiesta they were travelling in collided with another car on a rural road near Shipston-on-Stour on Friday afternoon.
Gloucestershire Live reports that all three teenagers attended Chipping Campden School’s sixth form. The school’s principal, John Sanderson, said: “On behalf of the students, staff and governors of Chipping Campden School I should like to pay tribute to the three members of our school community who lost their lives in Friday’s tragic road accident.
“Our collective thoughts are very much with their families, and the families of all those who remain in hospital recovering from their injuries.”
READ MORE: Family's anguish after 'beautiful and caring' West Country teenager dies in horror crash
He said the “sudden and tragic” deaths had had a profound impact on everyone at the school. He added: “I hope in the days and weeks ahead to be able to find the words to adequately reflect on the lives of three wonderful students who were much loved and who are deeply missed by everyone whose lives they touched.”
Gloucestershire Educational Psychology Team and leaders of local churches are helping to support pupils and staff through what the head has called “these darkest of days”.
Mr Sanderson said: “Books of condolence were opened yesterday when friends and colleagues were first able to come together to support one another and these will remain open over the coming days. Floral tributes have also poured in, and these have been placed at the foot of the school flag which stands at half-mast as a further tribute to Harry, Tilly, and Frank.
“This is an exceptionally sad and difficult time for all concerned but we are a strong and close-knit community who are determined to stand together in support of three grieving families, as well as each other.”
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