M53 school bus crash: Driver who died is named as Stephen Shrimpton as family says he ‘suffered medical issues’ at the wheel

A school bus driver who died when it overturned on a motorway has been named as Stephen Shrimpton, 40.

His family paid tribute paid tribute to him as a “loving husband and father” in a statement issued through the police.

He was described as “a caring and thoughtful man who would always prioritise others over himself”.

“Stephen will be sadly missed by all his friends and family. The family have requested privacy at this devastating time.”

On a crowdfunding page to pay for his funeral his sister-in-law, Emily, said he was “suffering medical issues” while at the wheel.

By late Saturday morning just over £9,000 had been raised, breaking the £6,000 target.

Jessica Baker, 15, was also killed in the crash.

The bus overturned on the M53 on the Wirral on Friday morning.

Post mortems will be carried out next week to establish the causes of death, police said.

Detective Sergeant Andy Roper, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “The families of Stephen and Jessica are being supported by specially trained officers.”

He appealed for witnesses, adding: “We also urge those who were driving near the incident to check your dashcam footage. Any information no matter how small could help the investigation.”

Four children were taken to hospital and a 14-year-old boy is said to have sustained life-changing injuries.

Other pupils were taken to an emergency services training centre in Wallasey, with 13 treated for minor injuries.

Police said 58 people were involved in the crash.

The bus had been carrying pupils from two Merseyside schools – Calday Grange all-boys grammar school and West Kirby all-girls grammar school.

Police said there were more children on other buses travelling in convoy with the one that crashed.

All those involved will be offered trauma support and family liaison officers are supporting relatives.