A teenage girl has died on her 16th birthday in a car accident while on holiday in Scotland.
Caitlin Alice Thaxter, a Year 11 student at Brighouse High School, was fatally injured in the accident on Saturday.
The teenager has been killed in a road crash in the west of Scotland.
Caitlin was one of three people in a car that went off the road around three miles east of Inveraray in Argyll.
It is understood the driver lost control on a bend on the A83 road near Dunderave Castle at around 11.15am on Saturday.
Police Scotland has appealed for witnesses to the crash, involving a silver Toyota RAV4.
Details of Caitlin’s tragic death has shocked the community.
Yesterday, the headteacher of Brighouse High, Liz Cresswell said: “We were incredibly sad to receive the news of the death of a much loved member of the Brighouse High community.
“Caitlin Thaxter was tragically killed in a road accident on Saturday.
“It was Caitlin’s 16th birthday; only the day before she had been sharing her birthday cake with friends and teachers.
“Caitlin was popular with both pupils and staff and she made a fantastic contribution to Brighouse High.
“Our deepest sympathy goes to Caitlin’s family.
“I know that the Brighouse team will all support each other at this difficult time and that we will decide on a fitting tribute and memorial to such a fantastic student.
“Several Year 11 students have asked to come into school during the half term break to set up a memorial noticeboard where pupils and staff can leave messages, share in their grief and celebrate Caitlin’s life.
“Rest in peace Caitlin; you will be missed.”
Caitlin was a friend with many of the players at Brighouse Junior Football Club – who were also pupils at Brighouse High.
Around 15 of the squad of 30 in her age group attend the school.
Some of the players were so upset by the news that they asked not to play in the Under 16’s B match against Linthwaite.
Two members of the A team also asked not to play away at Ryeburn but watched instead.
One of Caitlin’s closest friends, who didn’t want to be named, said yesterday: “Caitlin was a really happy and smiling person.
“She loved dancing and horses.
“What’s happened is horrible. We are going in to school later today and put notices on her locker.
“On Friday her best friend baked a cake for her birthday and we ate it in our French lesson.
“There’s going to be a meeting in the school today to decide how we should remember her.
“I know that armbands have been created for some of the boys who play for Brighouse Juniors to wear at their next match.
“Everyone has been getting together and supporting each other.”
