'A vibrant, thoughtful and intelligent girl' - Family pay tribute to Olivia-Violet Reeves, 11, killed in Shrewsbury crash
The family of an 11-year-old girl killed as she made her way home from school in Shrewsbury have paid tribute to their 'inspiring and spirited' daughter.
Olivia-Violet Reeves died after being struck by a grey Range Rover as she walked to catch her bus home from a stop on Mytton Oak Road.
The vehicle appeared to have crossed onto the opposite side of the road before mounting the pavement and knocking down a garden wall, a telegraph pole, and a lamp post.
A growing mountain of flowers, candles and cards have been left at the site of the crash.
The year six pupil, who attended St George's Primary School, was rushed to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital for emergency treatment after the incident, which happened just after 4pm on Thursday, and was then transferred to Birmingham Children's Hospital where she died.
Paying tribute, her parents said: "Olivia-Violet has been taken from us far too soon and it is hard for us to imagine how life goes on without such a vibrant, thoughtful and intelligent girl.
"With her kind heart, beautiful smile and inquiring mind, Olivia-Violet made a lasting impression on anyone she met.
"Quite recently Olivia-Violet raised money for an elephant sanctuary in Africa.
"She did this of her own accord, without being prompted by an adult. This was the kind of girl she was - inspiring and spirited.
"The world had so much more to show Olivia-Violet and she still had so much more to discover.
"Although we know her memory will shine brightly, we are truly broken hearted that Olivia-Violet has gone to be amongst the stars. Our heartfelt thanks go out to everybody involved in trying to save Olivia-Violet."
Last year Olivia-Violet arranged a 24-hour sponsored silence to raise money for the David Seldrick Wildlife Trust.
The background to this story
The Reeves family had just moved to the village of Worthen where Olivia-Violet loved the country way of life.
Sharon Munro, headteacher at St George’s Junior School, said the thoughts and prayers of those at the school were with Olivia's family.
She said: “It is with great sadness that I must confirm that a pupil from our school has tragically died after being hit by a car. This is an incredibly difficult time for us all, but especially for her family and friends."
A 77-year-old man from Shrewsbury, arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and driving while under the influence of alcohol, was released under investigation on Friday night while enquiries continue.
PC Steve Wootton from West Mercia Police said: "We have spoken to a number of witnesses at the scene, but we would still like to hear from anyone who saw what happened and has not yet spoken to an officer.
"This is a devastating tragedy for the young girl's family and her friends and our thoughts remain with them at this difficult time.
"Anyone with any information should contact police on 101 quoting reference 528s of June 15".
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org
