The driver of a school bus that crashed on the M53 in the Wirral died of natural causes, a coroner has said. Stephen Shrimpton, 40, was killed on the northbound carriageway on 29 September last year as he was taking children to West Kirby and Calday Grange grammar schools. Jessica Baker, 15, who was one of about 50 students onboard, also died.
The driver of a school bus that crashed on the M53 in the Wirral died of natural causes , a coroner has said. Stephen Shrimpton , 40, was killed on the northbound carriageway on 29 September last year as he was taking children to West Kirby and Calday Grange grammar schools. Jessica Baker , 15, who was one of about 50 students onboard, also died. Liverpool coroner's office said on Friday that Mr Shrimpton's case was now closed as it was found to be a natural cause of death.
No further details were released, although the coroner said in October that investigations would focus on the state of his heart. CCTV showed Mr Shrimpton slump to his left behind the wheel, the inquest heard. The coach then left the road, went up an embankment and toppled over, ending up on its side. An inquest for Jessica, from Chester, will be held at a later date, but the court previously heard she was partially thrown out the bus and suffered instantaneous fatal head injuries. Four other children were taken to hospital and police said one of them, a 14-year-old boy, had 'life-changing' injuries
School Bus Crash M53 Wirral Driver Natural Causes Stephen Shrimpton Children West Kirby Calday Grange Grammar Schools Jessica Baker Coroner Investigation CCTV Inquest Injuries