“A LIGHT HAS GONE OUT” — FAMILY AND SCHOOL COMMUNITY HEARTBROKEN AFTER 12-YEAR-OLD SOPHIA AITKEN diᩚєs IN BUS COLLISION

A Scottish community has been left devastated after a 12-year-old schoolgirl lost her life in a tragic collision involving a double-decker bus.

Sophia Aitken, from Kilwinning in North Ayrshire, was remembered by her heartbroken family as a “ray of sunshine” who was loved by everyone who knew her.

The young girl died on Tuesday afternoon, November 3, after being involved in a collision with a bus on Lauchlan Way in her hometown.

As news of the tᩚraɢedy spread, tributes began pouring in from her family, classmates, teachers and members of the wider community.

For those who knew Sophia, the loss has been particularly difficult to comprehend. She was just 12 years old, with so much of her life still ahead of her.

A TRAGIC INCIDENT DURING THE AFTERNOON

Emergency services were called to Lauchlan Way at approximately 1:10 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3, following reports of a collision involving a 12-year-old female pedestrian and a bus.

Police Scotland confirmed that Sophia was pronounced dead at the scene.

The incident involved a Stagecoach double-decker bus. No other injuries were reported.

Officers attended alongside emergency responders, while the road was closed for several hours to allow investigators to examine the scene.

The road eventually reopened after the investigation work was completed.

Police have not released further details about exactly how the collision happened, and enquiries into the circumstances remain ongoing.

HER FAMILY’S HEARTBREAKING TRIBUTE

As the family began to come to terms with their unimaginable loss, they released a deeply emotional statement through Police Scotland.

They remembered Sophia as a much-loved daughter whose presence brought happiness to those around her.

“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.”

The family’s words have resonated deeply with people across Kilwinning and beyond.

Their description of Sophia as a “ray of sunshine” has become a touching reminder of the young girl they loved and the memories she leaves behind.

A SCHOOL REMEMBERS A GIRL WITH A BRIGHT SMILE

Sophia was a pupil at Kilwinning Academy, where her passing has left students and staff heartbroken.

The school community remembered her as a popular and well-liked pupil, known for her bright smile.

A spokesperson for North Ayrshire Council also paid tribute to the young girl, describing her as someone with a vibrant personality and a helpful nature.

“Known for her bright smile, vibrant personality and helpful nature, she was a popular and well-liked member of our school community,” the spokesperson said.

The council acknowledged that this was an extremely difficult and emotional time for everyone who knew Sophia.

Support and guidance will be made available to pupils and staff who need help in the coming days, weeks and months.

The wider school community was described as devastated by her loss.

For her classmates and teachers, returning to everyday school life will be difficult without a familiar face who had been part of their community.

FLOWERS AND MESSAGES LEFT IN HER MEMORY

As news of Sophia’s passing spread, members of the public began leaving flowers and tributes near the scene of the collision.

The messages reflected the sadness felt throughout the town, with residents expressing sympathy for her family and remembering a young life lost far too soon.

Police also acknowledged the people who assisted at the scene and those who came forward with information.

Sergeant Stewart Taylor of Police Scotland said:

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

He thanked witnesses who had supported the investigation, as well as members of the public who had assisted at the scene.

He added that the incident would be felt throughout the local community and that officers were continuing their enquiries to establish what happened.

POLICE APPEAL FOR INFORMATION

Police Scotland is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Officers have appealed to anyone who witnessed the incident or may have relevant information to come forward.

In particular, investigators are asking motorists who were in the area at the time to check whether they have dashcam footage that could assist their enquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1484 of November 3, 2026.

No further details about the circumstances of the collision have been confirmed.

A COMMUNITY UNITED IN GRIEF

The tᩚraɢedy has left Kilwinning facing the loss of a young member of its community.

For Sophia’s family, the pain is immeasurable. For her friends and classmates, there is the difficult reality of losing someone who should have had many more years of laughter, friendships and experiences ahead of her.

Her family’s words — that she was a ray of sunshine and loved by everyone who knew her — have captured the affection with which she will be remembered.

As flowers continue to mark the place where the collision happened, the thoughts of the community remain with those closest to Sophia.

A young girl who brought light into