A schoolgirl who died in a bus crash on the M53 had four words of advice for fellow climbers.
Jessica Baker died on her way to West Kirby Grammar school on Friday, September 29, after the school bus she was travelling on crashed into a reservation and overturned on the motorway. The coach driver, dad-of-two Stephen Shrimpton, 40, also died in the crash.
Jessica, 15, was described by her family as a "talented climber", based at the Boardroom climbing centre Academy in North Wales. The climbing centre has today issued a tribute to Jessica who was "not only a promising climber but an exceptional young woman."
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Boardroom said "Believe in your ELF” were the words of encouragement Jessica gave to others, "followed by a giggle." Paying tribute to Jessica, Boardroom said: "We are deeply saddened and heartbroken by this tragic news.
"Jessica was a much loved member of our climbing community, spending her spare time climbing and competing. Her determination, dedication and passion for this sport, which she loved so much, meant she was often on the podium in local and national competitions.
"Jessica was not only a promising climber but an exceptional young woman who touched the hearts of everyone she met, a role model to many of the younger climbers and an inspiration to us all. She was already dedicating her time to coaching the younger climbers and spending time learning from our staff with the goal of turning coaching into a career.
"Jessica was a peacekeeper, a team captain, truly selfless and kind hearted, adored by all. “Believe in your ELF” were her words of encouragement to others, followed by a giggle.
"She will be deeply missed by her friends in the climbing academy, all the staff here and the people she climbed with every week. Our hearts go out to her family and friends."
An investigation into the crash is ongoing and police are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to contact them.
Detective Sergeant Andy Roper, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said in a previous statement: “The families of Stephen and Jessica are being supported by specially trained officers and we are working with both schools and Wirral and Cheshire West Councils to ensure the necessary trauma support is in place for the children who were affected.
“We continue to investigate the circumstances of this incident and we are appealing for anyone who witnessed this incident or have any information to please let us know. We also urge those who were driving near the incident to check your dashcam footage.
"Any information no matter how small could help the investigation. Motorists are also advised that the section of the M53 that was closed following the incident yesterday has now reopened.”
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