THE PRINCIPAL of an academy in Walsall has paid tribute to the life of 17-year-old pupil Zoe Shapiro – describing her as a ‘wonderful young lady’.
The teenager died in hospital after being hit by a van on Wednesday morning close to the Q3 Academy on Birmingham Road in Great Barr.
It has been widely reported within the last 24 hours that Zoe lived with her mother Jo Corbett-Weeks in Malvern but on the night before she died had stayed with her father.
Caroline Badyal, principal of Q3 Academy said: “Zoe joined Q3 Academy in the Sixth Form in September 2015.
“Zoe was a wonderful young lady who cared greatly for her family and friends. Zoe’s friends at Q3 Academy have been sharing their memories of her and her kind-hearted nature and how she embraced change and challenge.
“She was a charitable individual who was heavily involved in the Acorns Children’s Hospice. She was actively engaged in Academy life, supporting younger students through the mentoring process.
“Zoe was committed to her studies and had aspirations to attend Birmingham University to pursue a career working with children with special needs.
“Staff and students have been paying tribute to Zoe who made a huge impression on everyone who came into contact with her and she will be greatly missed.
“We have offered counselling to students and staff and we have been working with Sandwell Council to make sure appropriate support is available.
“I know you will support us in respecting the family’s privacy. Our thoughts are with the family and friends at this difficult time.”
A Facebook group titled ‘In Memory of Zoe Shapiro’ has been set up for people to pay tribute to the teenager’s life.
One post reads: “Zoe shapiro I hope u are happy up in heaven I may didn’t know you but My thoughts are with your family and friends R.I.P beautiful ?? xx Always in our heart now and forever more xx.”
It was also widely reported Zoe’s mother lost her four-year-old son Max three years ago following complications from severe epilepsy.
Followng Max’s death Jo Corbett-Weeks launched a petition in a bid to restore his star-shaped headstone at Great Malvern Cemetery after it was taken down because it breached cemetery guidelines.
A Facebook page campaigning for the headstone to be restored at the cemetery has paid tribute to Zoe. A post reads: “Hey there little man, hope you are being good for Zoe. she was taken to become an angel on wednesday. Hope you happy now your with your big sister, even though it wasnt time for zoe to become an angel. So i hope you enjoy your hugs off Zoe. be good little man, love you and Zoe loads. xxxx”
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.
