Police name boy killed in M58 crash
Last updated 10th Jan 2019
Police have named a 14-year-old boy who sadly died in a crash on the M58 as Joe Cairns.
It was the first of two crashes near Skelmersdale on Tuesday.
Joe, from Radcliffe in Greater Manchester was in a minibus from Pontville School in Ormskirk with Anne Kerr, a member of staff who also killed in the crash.
His mum and dad, Steph and Andy Cairns, have paid the following tribute to him:
"Joe, my brave boy, a true fighter with a heart of gold. An amazing sense of humour and infectious smile, a true superhero.”
Police are continuing to investigate the two collisions on Tuesday morning, the HGV driver, a 31-year-old man from Chorley, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He was released under investigation pending further enquiries.
If you witnessed either collision, or have any relevant dash cam footage, please get in touch with us as soon as possible.
Any witnesses or those with relevant dash cam footage are urged to get in touch with police by calling 101 quoting log number 275 of January 8th.
Police say their thoughts remain with the families of everyone affected by the tragic incidents and have specially trained officers are supporting them.
Pontville School in Ormskirk have also released a tribute to Joe.
Justine Sims, Headteacher, said:
“We were deeply shocked to learn of the terrible accident that took place involving a minibus carrying a number of our young people and staff.
Staff, pupils and parents have all been hugely upset and affected by the sad news and events.
Tragically, we can confirm that one pupil, 14-year-old Joe Cairns and one member of staff, Anne Kerr, died at the scene of the accident.
Our hearts are filled with sadness as we grieve the loss of these two much loved individuals who are both valued members of our school community.
It is really hard to describe Joe in just a few sentences. A lovely young boy with the most amazing sense of humour. Bright, articulate and observant, a ray of sunshine and laughter for all at Pontville School. Joe is in our hearts and minds forever.
Anne, a pupil transport assistant, was a caring member of staff who went out of her way to support the young people at Pontville.
We have been inundated with condolence wishes for both Joe and Anne from our families and pupils, including those involved in the incident.
Our thoughts and sympathies are with both families at this difficult time.
Our thoughts are also with our staff member and three pupils who were injured in the accident and are currently in hospital.
This is an enormously distressing time for everyone associated with the school. Our priority is to provide as much support as we can for pupils, parents, colleagues and families.
We have brought additional staff in from other schools in our Group to help, including mental health practitioners and psychologists, and this assistance will continue for as long as it is needed.
We would ask that the privacy of our pupils and staff is respected at this time."