The family of 15-year-old Jessica Baker who died after her school coach crashed on Friday have described her as “warm-hearted and wonderful”, in a touching tribute.
The schoolgirl was killed in the crash that also claimed the life of coach driver Stephen Shrimpton after the coach overturned on the northbound M53 near junction five at Hooton, Cheshire, at around 8am on Friday.
Coach driver Stephen Shrimpton, 40, who was remembered by his family as a “loving husband and father”, also died.
In a tribute issued through Merseyside Police, the family of 15-year-old Jessica Baker 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.”
In a further tribute, Simeon Clarke, headteacher of West Kirby Grammar School, 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.
“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.
“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.”
Mr Shrimpton’s family released a statement through Merseyside Police on Saturday, saying: “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.
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.
