The school bus driver who tragically lost his life when the bus overturned on a motorway.
Who was Stephen Shrimpton?
The driver has been identified as 40-year-old Stephen Shrimpton. His family, in a statement released through the police, remembered him as a “loving husband and father.” They described Stephen as a caring and selfless individual who consistently prioritized the well-being of others over his own. The family requested privacy during this profoundly devastating time.
A crowdfunding page was set up to cover the costs of Stephen’s funeral, and his sister-in-law, Emily, noted that he had been dealing with medical issues while operating the bus. The fundraising campaign had exceeded its £6,000 target, raising just over £9,000 by late Saturday morning.
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Barbara Flynn-Southern, a director at The Port Grocery CIC, a charity where Stephen worked, praised him as “an all-around good guy” who would be dearly missed by many. During the initial COVID lockdown, he volunteered as a driver for the charity and eventually became a full-time employee, delivering food to and supporting vulnerable individuals in the local community. His dedication extended beyond his role as a driver, as he cared for the people he served.
The tragic incident on the M53 on the Wirral claimed the life of Jessica Baker, a 15-year-old student. Post-mortem examinations are scheduled for the following week to determine the causes of death, as investigations continue. Detective Sergeant Andy Roper, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, expressed condolences and assured that the families of both Stephen and Jessica were receiving support from trained officers. He appealed for witnesses to come forward and encouraged those with dashcam footage to assist the investigation, emphasizing that even the smallest piece of information could be valuable.
In addition to the loss of lives, the accident resulted in several children being hospitalized, with one 14-year-old boy suffering life-changing injuries. Others with minor injuries were taken to an emergency services training center in Wallasey for treatment.
