Family pay tribute “warm hearted wonderful daughter” killed in M53 school bus crash

The family of a 15-year-old Jessica Baker who sadly died following a road traffic collision on the M53 in Wirral on Friday 29th September have issued a tribute.

Jessica Baker sadly died after it was reported that a bus had struck a reservation near Junction 5 and overturned.

In a tribute issued today, her family 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 in Deeside 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 Grammer 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.

Simeon Clarke, the headteacher of West Kirby Grammar School where 15-year-old Jessica Baker attended have also released the following statement.

“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.”

An investigation into this incident is ongoing and officers are still appealing for witnesses and dash-cam footage.

Anyone with information about the collision is asked to call the Matrix Serious Collision Investigation Unit on (0151) 777 5747 or SCIU@merseyside.police.uk or contact @MerPolCC on Twitter or Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook quoting reference 23000944471.