Melissa Premaratne, a 16-year-old pupil at Highgate School, died after being struck by a taxi on North Road in Highgate, north London, at just after 8am on Thursday, the Metropolitan Police said. Her family described her as a “light in our lives”.
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 statement
In a statement released by the police, Melissa’s family 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.”
Police appeal
Detective Inspector Simon Ager 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.”
School and company response
A spokesperson from Highgate School said Melissa was in Year 12 and on her way to school when the collision took place.
Private hire group Addison Lee said the vehicle involved belonged to the company. A spokesperson 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.”
Tulip Siddiq, Labour MP for Hampstead and Highgate, said on X: “I am devastated to hear about the death of a young girl outside Highgate School.
“My thoughts are with her family, friends, classmates, and all those affected by this tragic incident.
“I know this will be impacting the school and the wider community deeply, and I am here to support any constituents in need.”
