Tadcaster Grammar School pays tribute to ‘lovely and bubbly’ girl tragically killed in collision involving minibus
Tadcaster Grammar School has paid tribute to a 16-year-old girl whose tragic death in a collision involving a school minibus has shocked the community.
Eleanor Hague - known as Ellie – was a passenger in a white Mercedes Sprinter minibus when it collided with a Hyundai i10 on Toulston Lane shortly after midday on Monday, December 1.
The 16-year-old, from Sherburn in Elmet, was a sixth form student at Tadcaster Grammar School.
Despite the efforts of the emergency services, Ellie tragically died at the scene.
A second teenage girl was taken to hospital with serious but non–life-threatening injuries, while the remaining passengers and the minibus driver were treated for minor injuries.
The 40-year-old driver of the car involved was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and later released on conditional bail as police continue their investigation.
The news has left the entire Tadcaster Grammar School community devastated.
In an emotional statement, the school said it was with “deep sadness” that they shared the loss of their Year 12 student.
Staff described Ellie as a “lovely, bubbly young person” who brought warmth and lightness into every room she entered.
The statement said: "This loss has shocked and devastated our school community.
“Ellie was a lovely, bubbly, young person.
“She was the kind of person who added warmth to any room that she was in.
"Ellie was well loved by those around her and we all loved Ellie's fantastic sense of humour.
"To see her with her group of friends, laughing and interacting with each other always brought a lightness to the lessons she was in.
"Ellie will be sorely missed by fellow students, staff and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
“Our deepest thoughts remain with Ellie's family and friends.”
Messages of condolence have also come from fellow students, parents and wider community members - all reflecting on Ellie’s bright spirit and the heartbreak of losing someone so young.
The statement added: “Thank you for your support and understanding over the past 48 hours – it means so much to us.
"The emails and messages from parents and students have all been greatly appreciated.”
The school has put additional support in place for students struggling with the news and is encouraging parents to get in touch if their child needs further guidance as they navigate their grief in the coming weeks.
A book of condolence has been arranged at the school and students have been encouraged to share their thoughts and memories of Ellie.
There will be one available in the Sixth Form and another in a quiet area of Lower School.
North Yorkshire Police is continuing to appeal for any witnesses or motorists with relevant dashcam footage to come forward as soon as possible.
If you can help, you should email the Major Collision Investigation Team at [email protected] or call them on 101.
Alternatively if you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or by visiting https://crimestoppers-uk.org/
You should quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12250226227 when providing any details regarding the incident.