College head pays tribute to girl, 15, killed when car crashed into bus stop

Tributes have been paid to a “passionate” and “popular” 15-year-old girl who died after a car ploughed into pedestrians at a bus stop.

West Yorkshire Police said three other people were injured in the incident involving a BMW 5 Series car in Wakefield Road, Huddersfield, on Wednesday morning.

Katelyn Dawson was taken to Leeds General Infirmary by air ambulance but she died later.

John McNally, principal of Shelley College, where the teenager was a student, said: “We were devastated to hear the news that Katelyn passed away yesterday and our hearts go out to her family, who have suffered such a tragic and sudden loss.

“Katelyn was a passionate, popular student, who was just starting to realise how much potential she had.

“She loved life and lived it to the full. She loved to dance and was starting to plan her options for when she left school this year. Her loss, at a time when she had everything to look forward to in life, is sad beyond words.”

Mr McNally added: “We will be supporting students and staff alike over the next few days. They are understandably very upset and we will do all we can to help them come to terms with this loss.

“We will also try to celebrate Katelyn’s life, which was sadly cut so short, and the many happy memories we have of her.

“As a mark of respect, we will be cancelling the parents’ consultation planned for this evening and a book of condolences has been opened for students to record their thoughts.”

The principal confirmed that a 17-year-old girl who was injured in the crash was a sixth-former at the college.

He said: “Our thoughts are also with one of our sixth-form students, Georgia, who was also injured in the collision. We wish her a speedy recovery and will offer her all the support we can.”

A police spokeswoman said a 47-year-old woman was taken to Leeds General Infirmary with life-threatening injuries and is described as being in stable condition.

The 17-year-old was taken to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary with serious injuries but they are not believed to be life-threatening.

The driver of the BMW, a 51-year-old man, was also taken to Huddersfield Royal with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.

A message posted on Facebook by All Hallows Church, Kirkburton, near Huddersfield, said: “So sad to hear of the sudden, tragic death of 15-year-old Katelyn Dawson, a pupil at Shelley College.

“Katelyn’s family and friends are in our prayers.”

Police said the crash happened at about 8.15am near the junction with Broad Lane. Witnesses said the bus stop was completely demolished by the car.

The spokesman said: “Officers are appealing for anyone who may have been in the area around the time of the incident and who may have seen the grey BMW travelling before the collision, or who witnessed the collision itself, to come forward with any information.”