The community of Minehead Middle School is mourning the heartbreaking loss of ten-year-old Oliver Price, who tragically died in a coach accident last Thursday. The coach, carrying children home from a trip to Exmoor Zoo, overturned on a remote Somerset road, claiming Oliver’s life and deeply impacting everyone connected to the school.
Laura Mackie, headteacher at Minehead Middle School, paid an emotional tribute, describing Oliver as a “much-loved member” of the school community. “The loss of such a brilliant young life has profoundly affected everyone—students, staff, families, and the wider community. We will always treasure the moments we shared with him,” she said. Mackie also extended gratitude to the public for their overwhelming support, highlighting how it has provided strength during this incredibly difficult time.
In response to the tragedy, the Somerset Community Foundation’s Together for West Somerset Appeal has raised over £90,000 to assist those affected. Local resident Bobbie Rammond contributed an impressive £36,000 through GoFundMe, which has been donated to the Foundation for distribution.
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These funds are already being directed to families most impacted, in collaboration with Minehead Middle School and Avon and Somerset Police. Moving forward, the Appeal aims to raise additional funds to support holiday activities for children and families and provide long-term psychological support.
Somerset Council has also stepped forward with a £50,000 donation to the Community Foundation, demonstrating its commitment to aiding those affected. The Council’s Leader, Bill Revans, expressed heartfelt condolences and emphasized the importance of community support in such times, praising the Foundation’s role in coordinating aid effectively.
Justin Sargent, Chief Executive of the Somerset Community Foundation, thanked the Council for its vital contribution, underscoring the necessity of timely assistance for those impacted.
The Council is deploying resources from its Corporate Contingency Budget and collaborating closely with mental health services, family support teams, and local voluntary organizations to ensure comprehensive support is available. This includes providing a child psychologist to assist the multi-academy trust (MAT) affected.
The incident, which occurred on July 17 when the coach flipped onto its roof and slid down a slope, was declared a major incident. Despite emergency efforts, Oliver was pronounced dead at the scene. An off-duty firefighter played a crucial role in helping trapped passengers before emergency services arrived.
Police investigations continue, gathering statements from witnesses including local travelers. The coach has been recovered and will undergo expert examination.
In the aftermath, the community has shown solidarity through tributes and flowers left at the school gates. Meanwhile, the inquest into Oliver’s death began with confirmation of fatal head injuries. The next hearing is scheduled for January 14, set to review testimonies from passengers, witnesses, the coach driver, and specialists.