Headteacher pays tribute to Minehead crash victim

The headteacher of a 10 year-old boy who was killed in a coach crash has paid tribute to him.

Oliver Price died when the vehicle left the A396 at Cutcombe Hill near Minehead, Somerset, and slid down a 20ft slope last Thursday.

The bus was carrying 60 to 70 pupils and staff who were returning to Minehead Middle School after a trip to Exmoor Zoo days before the end of term.

The crash happened between Wheddon Cross and Timberscombe at about 3.15pm on July 17.

Headteacher Laura Mackie Minehead Middle School said:

“As many in our school and local community will now know, the student who tragically lost his life in last week’s coach incident was Oliver Price, a much-loved member of our Minehead Middle School family, and we will always treasure the moments we shared with him.

“This past week has been one of deep sorrow for our whole school. The loss of such a brilliant young life has profoundly affected everyone — students, staff, families, and the wider community. We continue to keep Oliver and those closest to him firmly in our thoughts, and we are supporting our school community with great care and sensitivity as we begin to process what has happened.

“We are grateful for the outpouring of support from so many people. It has meant a great deal to everyone at Minehead Middle School and has been a source of strength during this incredibly difficult time.

“Our focus remains on caring for one another and moving forward gently, with compassion, as we begin to navigate the future together.”