Melissa Premaratne, 16, has been named and pictured for the first time after she died when she was hit by a minicab while crossing the road on her way to school in Highgate.
The collision happened on North Road shortly after 8am on Thursday. The driver of the Addison Lee car, a 68-year-old man, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and has since been released on bail.
Family pays tribute
In a tribute, Melissa's family described her as an “amazing person” whose “beautiful spirit will always remain in our hearts”.
They said: “Melissa was a light in our lives and an amazing person. We will miss her deeply, every single day. Her kindness, warmth, and beautiful spirit will always remain in our hearts.”
Officers attended alongside the London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade and London’s Air Ambulance. Despite their best efforts, Melissa was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigation ongoing
The 16-year-old, who was in Year 12, had been on her way to classes at Highgate School when the collision happened. Her family continue to be supported by specialist officers.
Detective Inspector Simon Ager, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our thoughts remain with Melissa’s family following her tragic death.
“The loss of a young life in such circumstances is truly devastating, and we recognise the profound impact this will have on all those who knew and loved her.
“Specialist officers continue to support Melissa’s family, and we would ask that their privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time.
“Our investigation remains ongoing and we are working to establish exactly what happened. We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision or has any dashcam, CCTV or mobile phone footage from the area at around the time it occurred.”
Anyone with information that may assist police is asked to call 101 quoting CAD1525/24Sept.
School and Addison Lee respond
A spokesperson for the school said the news had come as a “terrible shock” to everyone at Highgate School.
“The loss of such a young life, so full of promise and hope, is deeply heartbreaking, and we extend our sincere and heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and all those affected by this awful news,” they said.
“She will be greatly missed, and we will continue to support her family, our pupils and staff, and the wider community, as we mourn her loss.”
Private hire group Addison Lee said in a statement that the vehicle involved in the incident belonged to the company.
“A collision took place in Highgate this morning at approximately 8:30am involving one of our vehicles which has tragically resulted in the death of a 16-year-old girl,” a spokesperson for the company said.
“Our thoughts are with her family and all those affected at this incredibly difficult time.
“As is standard for an incident of this nature, the response is being led by the police, and we are supporting them fully with their investigation.
“As the facts are still being established, we are unable to comment further at this stage.”
