Bus driver who died following tragic M53 crash named as Stephen Shrimpton

The family of Mr Shrimpton paid tribute to him as a “loving husband and father” following the tragic accident.

The force released a statement from his family which said: “Stephen was a loving husband and father to his wife and his wonderful children, a caring and thoughtful man who would always prioritise others over himself.

“Stephen will be sadly missed by all his friends and family.”

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Fifteen-year-old Jessica Baker, also died after the coach overturned on the northbound M53 near junction five at Hooton, Cheshire, at around 8am on Friday. A total of 58 people were involved in the incident, including the two fatalities.

A tribute was also paid to Mr Shrimpton in a GoFundMe page set up by his sister-in-law Emily Church, who wrote: “He’s sadly left behind my sister who’s now a widow in her early thirties, and unfortunately a single mum along side his much loved two young children who are only 8 and 4, who are going to grow up without their beloved father.”

She said he died in the accident on the motorway “while driving students to school”.

Jessica’s family issued a photograph of her on Friday evening through Merseyside Police as they requested privacy.

The force said in a statement: “Jessica Baker sadly died as a result of the collision on the M53 northbound carriageway earlier today.

“Jessica’s family have requested that their privacy is respected at this time and any updates from them will be issued via Merseyside Police news office as appropriate.”

Four children were taken to hospital including a 14-year-old boy whose injuries are said to be life-changing.

Others were handled at an emergency training centre, with 13 treated for minor injuries before they were released.

The bus was en route to West Kirby all-girls grammar school and Calday Grange all-boys grammar school, also in West Kirby, Merseyside.

Chief Superintendent Graeme Robson also told the press conference on Friday: “Our thoughts and condolences are very much with their family and friends at this tragic time.

“Family Liaison Officers are providing specialist support to both families and we are working with the schools, Wirral Council and Cheshire West Council to ensure the necessary trauma support is in place for the children on the bus.

“We also know that other children from both schools were on buses travelling in convoy with the bus involved and they witnessed the incident and they too will be provided with specialist trauma support.

“The motorway is expected to be closed for a number of hours whilst investigative work is carried out and we would like to thank motorists for their patience while the investigation is ongoing.”