The driver of a school bus that collided on a highway, killing a schoolgirl, died of natural causes, according to a coroner’s report.
Stephen Shrimpton died after the coach he was driving collided on the northbound M53 in Wirral, Merseyside, on September 29, 2018, while transporting youngsters to West Kirby and Calday Grange grammar schools.
Jessica Baker, 15, one of roughly 50 students on board, was killed in the accident shortly after 8 a.m.
On Friday, a spokeswoman for the Liverpool Coroner’s Office stated Mr. Shrimpton’s case had been concluded since it was determined to be a natural cause of death.
No other information on his cause of death was revealed.
When the inquest into Mr. Shrimpton’s death began in October, senior coroner for Liverpool and Wirral Andre Rebello said CCTV evidence showed Mr. Shrimpton slumping to his left while driving the coach, which left the carriageway and slid up an embankment before landing on its side.
At the time, the coroner stated that additional medical investigations would be required to determine his cause of death, with a focus on examining his heart.
Following the tragedy, Mr. Shrimpton’s family issued a statement saying, “Stephen was a loving husband and father to his wife and wonderful children, a caring and thoughtful man who would always prioritize others over himself.”
Jessica’s inquest will take place at a later date, with a review hearing scheduled for July, according to a representative from the coroner’s office.
According to the inquiry opening, the teenager from Chester was partially ejected from the vehicle and died instantly from head injuries.
Four additional youngsters were brought to the hospital, including a 14-year-old boy whose injuries were described by Merseyside Police as life-altering.
Others were transported to an emergency training center, where 13 were treated for minor injuries before being released.
Jessica’s family paid tribute to the accomplished climber after her death, describing her as a “warm-hearted, wonderful daughter, granddaughter, niece, devoted sister, and loyal friend.”.
In her memory, almost £6,500 was raised for Climbers Against Cancer via an internet fundraising website.
