Tributes have been paid to an “unequivocally kind and empathic” 15-year-old girl who was killed when a bus overturned on the M53 in Wirral on Friday.
Jessica Baker, a talented climber, died after the school bus carrying about 50 children overturned near junction five at about 8.30am.
The driver, 40-year-old Stephen Shrimpton, was also killed in the crash while behind the wheel of the bus which was en route to Calday Grange and West Kirby grammar schools.
In a tribute issued on Sunday, her family spoke of the “massive void” left by Jessica’s death.
They 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.”
The headteacher of West Kirby grammar, Simeon Clarke, also paid tribute to Jessica, who “will be greatly and sadly missed” by her friends and classmates.
He 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 empathic, 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.”
On Saturday, Shrimpton’s family also paid tribute to “a loving husband and father”.
They said: “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.”
On a crowdfunding page to help pay funeral costs, Shrimpton’s sister-in-law, Emily Church, said he was “suffering medical issues” while at the wheel.
An investigation into the crash, which involved 58 people, is ongoing and Merseyside police officers are still appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage.
A 14-year-old boy with life-changing injuries was one of four children taken to hospital on Friday, all of which were in stable conditions on Saturday, according to police.
