Sophia Aitken, a 12-year-old pupil at Kilwinning Academy, died on Tuesday after being struck by a Stagecoach bus at Lauchlan Way in Kilwinning, Ayrshire. She was pronounced dead at the scene, and her family have paid tribute to her in a statement issued through Police Scotland.
In their statement, her family said: "We are devastated at the loss of our darling daughter Sophia. She was a ray of sunshine, and was loved by everyone who knew her. We are comforted by the messages from the community. We would like to ask for privacy to grieve at this difficult time." They added that "a light has gone out, and it will never return".
Inquiries into the crash are ongoing and there were no other reported injuries in the incident.
On Wednesday, Kilwinning Academy paid tribute to Sophia, saying she was "known for her bright smile, vibrant personality and helpful nature". North Ayrshire Council described her as a popular and well-liked member of the school community and said support would be available to staff and pupils.
Sergeant Stewart Taylor said the force was continuing to seek witnesses with information about the incident. "Our thoughts first and foremost are with Sophia's family and friends, and everyone affected by this crash," he said. "We know there were a lot of people out in the area at the time of this crash, and I'd like to thank those witnesses who have come forward in support of our inquiries, along with those who assisted at the scene. This incident will be felt by the local community and our investigation continues to establish what happened."
Anyone with any information should contact Police Scotland.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The death of a 12-year-old pupil has shaken the Kilwinning community, with the school and council moving to support students and staff.
- Police have not yet established how the crash happened, and their investigation is continuing.
- The family has asked for privacy while grieving, and police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
Background
Kilwinning is a town in North Ayrshire on Scotland's west coast. The crash occurred on a route operated by Stagecoach, one of the UK's major bus operators, at a time when police say many people were out in the area.
Key Perspectives
Sophia's family: said they are devastated at the loss of their "darling daughter" and asked for privacy to grieve, while drawing comfort from messages from the community.
Kilwinning Academy and North Ayrshire Council: remembered Sophia for her "bright smile, vibrant personality and helpful nature" and said support would be available to pupils and staff.
Police Scotland: said the investigation continues to establish what happened and thanked witnesses who have come forward.
What to Watch
- Whether the police investigation, which Sergeant Stewart Taylor said continues to establish what happened, produces further findings about the crash.
- The response to the witness appeal from people who were in the area at the time.
- How support for pupils and staff at Kilwinning Academy develops in the coming days.