7:27pm Tuesday 6th March 2007
By Sara Nelson
A HEADTEACHER has paid tribute to a "bubbly" 13-year-old girl who was knocked down and killed by a car.
Jessica Mathers died soon after she was hit by a Suzuki Vitara car in Welling Way, Bexley, at 6.15pm on Friday.
The accident took place as Jessica, of Hardy Road, Blackheath, and a group of her friends crossed the road on their way to a slumber party.
It is thought she became trapped under the car and had to be released by firefighters using airbags.
Bexley Grammar School headteacher Rod McKinnon has described the Year 9 pupil's death as "a huge shock".
He said: "Jessica was a lovely, bubbly girl, she loved school and she liked being at school.
"There was a parents' evening on Thursday and her mother said to me how much her daughter liked school.
"This is a huge shock; we have held a special assembly and heard tributes from students.
"We are all shocked and saddened. Jessica was able, talented and full of potential."
The school, in Danson Lane, Welling, is also opening a rememberance book for Jessica and is encouraging students and staff to record their memories of the teenager.
Mr McKinnon added: "I have visited her parents and they are being remarkable.
"They have seen the comments left on News Shopper and very much appreciate them.
"Jessica was well liked by both staff and students, it is very sad."
Pupils from Jessica's school wrote the following poem for her:
Just Jessica - no-one else
Ever smiling
Someone you could talk to
Shopping fanatic - the great Topshop in the sky
In our hearts forever
Cookie dough ice-cream
Always eating!!
Looking after her guinea pigs and rabbits
Only pink - nothing else
U will be missed
Ipod, ice skating, in touch with friends old and new
Special
Everything to us
Many will remember her
Always made you laugh
Talking, talking never stopped
Hyperactive, Haribo and Hollyoaks addict
Everlasting love for shoes and straighteners
Really lucky to have known her
Schnappi' the German crocodile will be looking after her forever
Witnesses urged to come forward
A post mortem and an inquest into Jessica's death are due to be opened shortly.
The 21-year-old driver of the car which struck Jessica was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich where she was treated for shock and later released.
She has not been arrested.
If you witnessed the accident, please call 020 8285 1574.
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