Headteacher's tribute to student
The headteacher of the Exeter school in mourning over the death of pupil Leo Gregory today paid a glowing tribute to him.
Moira Marder said everyone at St James, in Summer Lane, was devastated at the loss of a wonderful young man from a wonderful family.
She told The Exeter Daily: "St James School is devastated to hear of the loss of Leo Gregory. He was a wonderful young man who was right at the heart of St James community.
"Staff have commented on how he radiated happiness and warmth. A hugely talented student, he played a lead role, John, in our summer production of Peter Pan. He triumphed at this, as at so many aspects of school life.
"Popular with both staff and students, Leo was the type of child every teacher wants to teach and he had his own unique personality and style. We are heartbroken by his loss."
The chair of the Ted Wragg Trust, which works in partnership with St James on its strategic vision also paid her condolences.
Professor Debra Myhill said: “We are deeply, deeply saddened to hear the news of the death of Leo Gregory, and our thoughts are first and foremost with his family and his friends.
"The loss of such a young and precious life is a tragedy: Leo was a popular student who contributed much to the school community, and one who had a full and rewarding life ahead of him.
"We are devastated that this life, full of promise, has been so suddenly cut short.”
Emergency services were called to Topsham Road near Countess Wear at 3.10pm on Thursday 28 August, after a collision between Leo, from Exeter, and a skip lorry at the pedestrian crossing.
He sustained serious injuries and was taken to Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital where he was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival.
The lorry driver was uninjured.
The road was closed for five hours while serious collision investigators carried out an examination of the scene.
CCTV footage from the scene shows a cyclist cycling close to the collision just after it has occurred.
This cyclist travels from Countess Wear roundabout direction, crosses Topsham road between the scene & the roundabout onto the south side of Topsham road, then cycles away from the roundabout towards Topsham. The cyclist appears to be wearing a dark top and white trousers.
Officers are keen to speak to the cyclist as a potential witness who may have information.
Police are appealing to the cyclist to contact them on 101 quoting incident number 480 of 28th August.
School mourns third death in 12 months
http://www.theexeterdaily.co.uk/news/school-mourns-third-death-12-months
