The school of a pupil killed in a crash along with his mum and sister has paid tribute to the "little sparkle of joy" that had "boundless energy".
Ihor Bartieniev, six, died along with his mum Daria Bartienieva, 35, and his sister, Anastasiia Bartienieva, 15, when the Vauxhall Meriva they were travelling in was involved in a crash with another car and a bus on Sunday (September 3).
The collision happened on the A61 between South Stainley and Ripley, near Ripon, at around 2.20pm.
Read more: Police name Ukrainian family killed in A61 crash near Ripon
Since the crash, tributes have been coming in from the Ripon community, with a floral tribute left at the scene of the collision on the A61, while Holy Trinity Church in the city has dedicated a space for people to light a candle and pay their respects to the three that died.
Today, (Wednesday, September 6), the school that Ihor attended, Holy Trinity School in Ripon, said the whole community is "heartbroken" to learn of his tragic death as it starts a new term.
In its statement to The Northern Echo, the school said that Ihor, who joined them in year one after moving over with his mum and sister, has soon become a "popular" member of the school community with "boundless energy and enthusiasm.
Tracey Calland-Booke, his year 1 class teacher, said: "Ihor will be remembered by his classmates as a funny, chatty little boy who was loved by us all.
"We were all in awe of this little spark of joy who really brought something special to our class.
"Pupils were drawn to his chatty, charismatic character."
A fundraising page for the surviving daughter of the Bartienieva family, who didn't travel with her family on the day the crash happened, has been set up and has already raised more than £15,000.
You can donate here.
Executive headteacher at Holy Trinity School in Ripon, Sue Sanderson, has offered her condolences and urged the community to light a candle at Holy Trinity Church, where a memorial area has been created for people to reflect and share memories of the Ukrainian family.
She said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with Ihor’s family and friends.
"This devastating event has affected everyone within our community, and we are all now attempting to come to terms with our loss together.
"Staff and pupils have visited the poignant reflection space created by Holy Trinity Church to light a candle, say a prayer and share our happy memories of such a special little boy and his family.
"We will continue to seek support and comfort in our church and school community."
Investigations into the fatal collision remain ongoing, according to police, with officers from North Yorkshire Police asking for dashcam footage.
The police force also confirmed that the driver of the bus was taken to hospital with leg injuries, some of the bus passengers sustained minor injuries and were taken to hospital, and the two people in the other vehicle were not injured.
The Harrogate Bus Company, whose vehicle was involved in the collision, has paid tribute to those who died in the crash and has said that the company will comply with police enquiries.
Read more: Mother and two children killed in crash on A61, Ripon
A spokesperson for the company said: "Our first thoughts are with those involved in this accident, particularly those who have sadly lost their lives.
Read next:
- Mother and two children killed in crash on A61, Ripon
- Girl left with no family after crash on A61 near Ripon kills three
- Fundraiser set up after three die in A61 crash near Ripon reaches £15k
"We can confirm that a bus on our route 36 was involved in a collision on the A61 Ripon to Harrogate road near the village of South Stainley on Sunday afternoon.
"Our bus driver and four customers travelling on the bus have received treatment in hospital for minor injuries and are now recovering at home.
"We are cooperating fully with North Yorkshire Police in their investigation into this tragic accident."
If you can help with the police investigation, email Julie.brown@northyorkshire.police.uk or call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and pass information for incident 12230166439.
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