Tot's touching permanent tribute to girl, 8, killed in Wimbledon school crash

07 July 2023 , 21:35
462     0
Heartfelt tributes continued to build at the school gates in Wimbledon on Friday (Image: Eliza Brandreth)
Heartfelt tributes continued to build at the school gates in Wimbledon on Friday (Image: Eliza Brandreth)

Touching tributes have appeared outside a school tonight after the victim of the tragic Wimbledon crash was named.

Eight-year-old Selena Lau was killed in a devastating crash at Study Preparatory school on Thursday when a Land Rover Defender ploughed through an end-of-term tea party.

A second eight-year-old girl and a woman in her 40s are both fighting for their lives on Friday.

Tributes and flowers could be seen left by heartbroken children, former pupils, and members of the community today at the gates of The Study prep school, as one local said - "Wimbledon needs each other".

Tot's touching permanent tribute to girl, 8, killed in Wimbledon school crash qhiquqiqutiqhzinvEight-year-old Selena Lau was killed in a devastating crash at The Study prep school (PA)
Tot's touching permanent tribute to girl, 8, killed in Wimbledon school crashOne local woman brought her three-and-a-half-year-old granddaughter Aria to pay tribute (Iris Cortez)

One touching tribute left to Selena at the school gates said simply: "I will never forget you."

Nursery apologises after child with Down's syndrome ‘treated less favourably’Nursery apologises after child with Down's syndrome ‘treated less favourably’

Wimbledon resident, Iris Cortez, 57, said: “We are all just so shocked. I cannot believe it.

“Wimbledon is such a safe area so it is such a shock. I’ve lived nearby for 29 years and have never experienced something like this here. So unexpected. So sad.”

Iris brought her three-and-a-half-year-old granddaughter Aria to pay tribute and lay flowers together but got confused as she dug in the ground.

However to Iris’ delight, she instead wanted to plant the peach-coloured flowers as a permanent tribute.

Iris added: “We need each other. Wimbledon needs each other.”

Parents also were seen embracing their friends for comfort as they brought their kids to see the heartfelt gifts.

One parent of a former pupil wrote in a note: “The community of Wimbledon beats and pulses as one. Let us help.

Tot's touching permanent tribute to girl, 8, killed in Wimbledon school crashOne touching tribute addressed Selena as their 'friend' (Eliza Brandreth)

“We pray that the many happy memories formed at the wonderful school and in your family lives, can wrap their arms around you and, in time, bring you comfort.”

Many tributes came in from thoughtful children of a similar age to those affected in the crash.

One child penned: “Dear all staff that work here, I hope you are all ok. I am so so sorry. Thank you for all that you’re doing to help.”

'My son's teacher took away his shoes and lost them - they should replace them''My son's teacher took away his shoes and lost them - they should replace them'

Another offered hope for those injured as she said: “Hopefully the children will survive this tragic accident."

Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas

Wimbledon school crash, Schools

Read more similar news:

02.02.2023, 02:10 • News
Hundreds of thousands of workers on strike in biggest walkout in 10 years
01.02.2023, 18:22 • News
Headteacher says kids with no shoes or coats stealing food in 'broken' schools
01.02.2023, 18:29 • Politics
'Parents support strikes, kids deserve to be taught by teachers who feel valued'
02.02.2023, 03:03 • News
Teachers could be forced to tell heads they plan to strike under reported change
02.02.2023, 08:52 • Crime
They look and taste like sweets - no wonder underage vaping is sweeping Britain
02.02.2023, 10:47 • News
Mystery as healthy man suddenly dies in sleep just days before 22nd birthday
02.02.2023, 11:48 • News
Mum shares harrowing photo and says son had anxiety attack over teacher strikes
02.02.2023, 12:40 • News
Christian mum sues son's school claiming he had to take part in LGBT parade
02.02.2023, 13:03 • News
Mum sparks debate whether her nine-year-old daughter should shave her legs
02.02.2023, 14:48 • News
Council forced to refund drivers £100k in fines due to confusing road sign error