Community in shock after schoolgirl killed in devastating crash

Flowers and cards have been left in tribute to a 15-year-old schoolgirl who died in a crash involving a lorry and two teens on a bike in North Hykeham on Wednesday night.

Colourful tributes line the Station Road junction on Thursday, October 10, filled with messages of sympathy and heartbreak from school friends, families and neighbours in the Hykeham area.

Nearby schools are offering support and counselling to young pupils affected by the incident, and the local community has come together to praise emergency services who worked at the scene for several hours, as well as passers-by who stepped in to help.

Lincolnshire Police received a report of a crash on Station Road at 5.10pm on October 9. The road was closed for several hours while police and other emergency services dealt with the incident.

The young girl from North Kesteven Academy was pronounced dead at the scene, who friends have named in tributes as Naiomi.

Police said a 14-year-old boy, who was also on the bike, was taken to hospital with serious injuries. He remains in hospital at the time of writing. His injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

Both schools have now released statements about the incident.

‘Fly high angel’

Cards and flowers with messages of tribute have been left at the scene.

Emily, Shauna and Freya wrote: “We are sending all our love and we couldn’t thank you enough for the time we had. Sadly it wasn’t enough, but they were the best times. You were and always will be gorgeous. Fly high you angel. We love you loads.”

Ella wrote: “RIP beautiful, we all love and miss you so much. It doesn’t feel real. Thinking of you always. Love Ella.”

Another card read: “Heartbreaking. Fly high angel. Thinking of your family at this time. Love Emma & Rachel.”

People on social media also sent wishes to the young boy, as well as praising the work of the emergency services and sending their thoughts to the lorry driver.

School statement

Jo Tunnicliffe, Headtacher at North Kesteven Academy, released a statement on Thursday saying: “Everyone at North Kesteven Academy was heartbroken to hear of the death of one our students following a road traffic accident yesterday (October 9). Our thoughts today are with the student’s family and all her friends and teachers at NK Academy.

“Students and staff were informed this morning and we have brought in additional counselling support to help anyone who’s been affected by the news.

“Counselling support will be available over the coming days and some students who have been particularly affected have been allowed home.

“Our thoughts and best wishes also go to the family and friends of the other local student who was injured in the incident, and to everyone at Sir Robert Pattinson Academy. He is currently being treated for serious injuries at The Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham.

“We have arranged for staff and Police Community Support Officers to be present outside our academy in the afternoon for the next few days to reassure parents and to encourage road safety.”

Dale Hardy, Headteacher at Sir Robert Pattinson Academy, said: “A year 10 student from Sir Robert Pattinson Academy was seriously injured in a road traffic accident.

“Our student is currently receiving treatment for serious injuries at the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those involved at this awful time.

“We are well aware of the shock and distress that may reverberate through the school community today, so we have worked through the night, contacting colleagues at other schools and the local authority, to ensure we have extra provision in place to support our students and staff as they arrived this morning.

“We will be doing everything possible to ensure that everyone feels supported during the difficult days ahead.”

Inspector Ian Richardson previously said: “This devastating incident has not only had a major impact on the families of these teenagers but it has shocked the community.

“It has been difficult for everyone involved and our thoughts are with the families.

“We would ask people not to speculate while investigations continue. If anyone witnessed this incident they can contact us on 101.”