A dad-of-two has been named by his family as the bus driver who died after a school bus crashed on the M53.
Emergency services were called to the M53 at around 8am on, Friday, September 29 following reports a school bus carrying children had overturned between J5 for New Chester Road to J4 for Brimstage Road. The school bus was taking pupils to West Kirby Grammar and Calday Grange Grammar School in Wirral.
Merseyside Police has confirmed Jessica Baker, 15, was killed in the crash along with the bus driver. The family of the driver have now released a tribute naming him as dad-of-two Stephen Shrimpton.
*Merseyside Police had previously reported the schoolgirl was 14*
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In a GoFundMe page, which the family has given The ECHO permission to share, it says Stephen Shrimpton "suffered medical issues" at the wheel of the coach on the M53. The fundraising page was set up by his sister-in-law Emily Church.
She said: "I’m raising some funds for my brother in law's funeral. He tragically died in an accident on the M53 on the morning on the 29th of September, after suffering medical issues at the wheel while drive students to school.
"He’s sadly left behind my sister who’s now a widow in her early thirties, and unfortunately a single mum alongside his much loved two young child only eight and four, 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."
Since the page was created two hours ago more than £1,600 has been raised.
Local Policing Superintendent Sabi Kaur said: "This was a truly horrific incident and the impact on this will have been felt far and wide not only in Wirral but across Merseyside. Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of the girl and the bus driver as well as with those who have been impacted by this incident and we will do everything we can to support them in the coming days and weeks.
"We would ask anyone who witnessed the collision or believes they have captured something significant to contact us as a matter of urgency. We would also ask the public to avoid speculating on the incident or posting information or images which could be distressing for the families and those involved."
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.
To donate to Stephen's GoFundMe page click here.
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