A teen girl who was killed after being struck by a bus has received tributes.
Local media have identified the victim of the incident that happened in Sheldon, Birmingham, on Saturday afternoon as 15-year-old Sophie Fletcher.
The teen was taken to the hospital right away after the 3 o’clock crash on Sheaf Lane, but it was soon determined that he had passed away.
The bus driver is assisting investigators, according to West Midlands Police, and detectives are asking for any potential witnesses to come forward.
One of National Express West Midlands’ vehicles was implicated in the tragedy, the company has confirmed.
Matt Denning, the creator of the nearby children’s charity Matt’s Mission, expressed his shock and gut-wrenching reaction to Sophie’s passing.
She gave her hair to the charity in 2017 to aid in the funding effort.
He added: “My love and thoughts are with family and friends.”
Dance teacher Catriona O’Brien has also spoken of her heart break at her passing.
The Euphoria Dance instructor said: “It is with a broken heart that I announce the tragic passing of ED’s former student Sophie Fletcher aged just 15 years old.
“I had the pleasure of teaching Soph for more than 5 years at Yew Tree Primary School and she was also a valued member of our solihull junior pro team.
“Sophie was such a joy to teach, always so happy and eager to please, always tried her best and was just the most loving little person.
“I am so grateful i got to meet you and spend the time with you i did. RIP beautiful girl, we will never forget you.
“My thoughts are with Sophie’s family & incredible mom Emma whom i had such a fantastic relationship with over Sophie’s dancing years.
“RIP Sophie Fletcher, may you dance with the angels above.”
Sophie’s mum Emma changed her Facebook profile photo to one of her with her daughter yesterday.
Heartbroken sister Kloe shared a photo of Sophie on Facebook and wrote: “You had the most beautiful blue eyes, just like my own, our resemblances is how people knew we were sisters.
“And never again will I retaliate when someone says such words, for I will forever cherish them from this day forward.”
A JustGiving page has been set up on Sunday by uncle Anthony Hasson, hoping to raise £3,000 to help Sophie’s family with funeral costs.
Anthony wrote: “It is with a deep heart that we have to say goodbye to our beautiful niece Sophie, who tragically lost her life yesterday at 15 years old in a road traffic accident.
“We are looking to raise a bit of help for her loving parents to ease the burden of funeral costs at this most devastating of times.
“Any help we receive will be so gratefully be passed over to her loving mother who is understandably grieving the worst pain any parent could ever go through.
“Thank you for your help and support at this difficult time. fly high princess xxx.”
PC Gail Arnold, of WMP’s serious collision investigation unit, said on Saturday: “A young girl has tragically died and we’ll be doing all we can to support her family during this deeply distressing time.
“We’re working to establish the circumstances behind the collision and we’re keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time, and especially anyone with dashcam footage.”
