A TEENAGER who died after being hit by a van on her way to her Walsall based academy lived in Malvern with her mother, it has been reported.
West Midlands Police has confirmed the youngster who died in Birmingham Road in Great Barr on Wednesday morning was 17-year-old Zoe Shapiro.
The teenager suffered serious injuries and was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham by Midlands Air Ambulance but died shortly after.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman added: “Crews immediately began advanced life support and she was quickly transferred to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham on blue lights and sirens with the doctor from the air ambulance travelling on the back of the ambulance to continue emergency treatment en-route.
He added she was confirmed dead after her arrival at the hospital when it became apparent nothing could be done.
Reports in national and regional media state Zoe, a student at Q3 Academy in Great Barr, lived with her mother Jo Corbett-Weeks in Malvern but had stayed at her father’s house – situated opposite the academy – the night before she died.
It has also been reported Zoe lost her four-year-old brother Max Corbett-Gardener three years ago who died following complications from severe epilepsy.
A Facebook group titled ‘In Memory of Zoe Shapiro’ has been set up for people to pay tribute to the teenager’s life.
In a letter to parents, Caroline Badyal, principal/chief executive of Q3 Academy said: “It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I have to inform you that one of our students was involved in a fatal road traffic accident this morning.
“This incident is now a police investigation and we are supporting the police with their investigation.
“The Academy is offering counselling to any students and staff affected in any way and we are working with Sandwell Council to make sure appropriate support is available. If you can provide any further information to the police about the incident, please call them on 101.
“I know you will support us in respecting the family’s privacy. Our thoughts are with the family and friends at this difficult time.”
The driver of the van has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has been released on police bail while investigations continue.
Officers from West Midlands Police are now urging witnesses to the crash or anyone with any information to come forward and contact them on 101.
PC Julie Lyman, from West Midlands Police Collision said: “Our investigation is progressing, but we would still like to hear from anyone who saw what happened and has not yet spoken to an officer.
“Specialist officers from our Family Liaison Unit continue to support Zoe’s family and our thoughts remain with them at this difficult time.”
Picture courtesy of West Midlands Police.
