“OUR DARLING DAUGHTER”: FAMILY’S HEARTBREAKING TRIBUTE TO SOPHIA AITKEN, 12, KILLED IN SCHOOL-LUNCHTIME BUS 𝔠r𝘢sh

A Scottish family is facing unimaginable heartbreak after their 12-year-old daughter, Sophia Aitken, died when she was struck by a bus during the school lunch break.

Sophia, from Kilwinning in North Ayrshire, was involved in a collision with a bus on Lauchlan Way at approximately 1:10 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

Emergency services rushed to the scene, but despite their response, the young girl was pronounced dead at the roadside.

Her dєatᩚh has devastated her family, school and the wider community, with loved ones now trying to come to terms with the loss of a child whose life had barely begun.

“WE ARE DEVASTATED AT THE LOSS OF OUR DARLING DAUGHTER”

In a heartbreaking statement released through Police Scotland, Sophia’s family paid tribute to their beloved daughter.

“We are devastated at the loss of our darling daughter Sophia.

“She was a ray of sunshine, and was loved by everyone who knew her. A light has gone out, and it will never return.

“We are comforted by the messages from the community. We would like to ask for privacy to grieve at this difficult time.”

Their words capture the depth of a family’s grief — the loss of a little girl who brought happiness to the people around her.

As messages of sympathy continue to reach the family, they have asked for privacy while they navigate the most difficult days of their lives.

SCHOOL REMEMBERS A GIRL WITH A BRIGHT SMILE

Sophia was a pupil at Kilwinning Academy, where her dєatᩚh has left classmates, teachers and staff deeply affected.

The school community remembered her as a popular and well-liked student, known for her bright smile, vibrant personality and helpful nature.

A spokesperson for North Ayrshire Council expressed sincere condolences to Sophia’s family and loved ones.

The council also confirmed that support and guidance would be made available to pupils and staff affected by the tᩚraɢedy in the coming days, weeks and months.

For those who shared classrooms, conversations and everyday school moments with Sophia, her absence will be deeply felt.

WHAT HAPPENED ON LAUCHLAN WAY?

Police Scotland said emergency services were called to Lauchlan Way at around 1:10 p.m. on November 3 following a collision involving a 12-year-old female pedestrian and a bus.

The vehicle was confirmed by Stagecoach to be one of its buses operating in South Scotland.

No other injuries were reported.

The road was closed for several hours while officers carried out investigations before reopening later that evening.

Stagecoach’s regional director, Fiona Doherty, said the company’s immediate thoughts were with Sophia’s family and everyone affected by the accident.

The company also confirmed it was supporting the colleagues directly involved and assisting Police Scotland with its enquiries.

POLICE APPEAL FOR WITNESSES AND DASHCAM FOOTAGE

Police Scotland continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Sergeant Stewart Taylor said:

“Our thoughts first and foremost are with Sophia’s family and friends, and everyone affected by this 𝔠r𝘢sh.

“We know there were a lot of people out in the area at the time of this 𝔠r𝘢sh, and I’d like to thank those witnesses who have come forward in support of our inquiries, along with those who assisted at the scene.

“This incident will be felt by the local community and our investigation continues to establish what happened.”

Officers are asking anyone who witnessed the incident, has relevant dashcam footage or possesses information that could assist the investigation to contact Police Scotland.

Anyone with information should call 101 and quote incident number 1484 of November 3, 2026.

A COMMUNITY UNITED IN GRIEF

In the days following the collision, flowers and tributes were left near the scene as residents expressed their sorrow.

For Sophia’s family, however, the pain is far more personal.

A daughter who should have had years of birthdays, school memories, friendships and milestones ahead of her is now being remembered through the words of those who loved her.

Her family described her as their ray of sunshine — a light that brought happiness to everyone who knew her.

And as the investigation continues, one thing remains painfully clear: a family has lost a beloved child, and a school community has lost one of its own.

Sophia Aitken was just 12 years old. She deserved so much more time.