Tribute paid to coach crash victim

Posted:20th February 2012

Category:Travel Insurance

A teacher who was killed when a coach crashed on a school ski trip in France has been described as "wonderful" in a statement released by his family.

Peter Rippington, 59, of Alvechurch Middle School in Worcestershire, died after the bus he was in flipped over and fell down an embankment in the early hours of Sunday in Reims in the Champagne-Ardenne region.

His wife Sharon and daughter Amy were among dozens injured in the incident - 11 people are still in hospital, with six listed as seriously injured but not thought to be in a life-threatening condition. One 13-year-old girl was transferred to the Necker children's hospital in Paris where she had undergone an operation.

A statement from the Rippington family said: "We, as a family, are devastated at the tragic loss of Peter, a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, son-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle, friend and teacher.

"We are still extremely concerned about the health of his wife, Sharon, who was injured and is still recovering in hospital in France. Sharon is accompanied by her daughter Amy, who escaped the incident with minor injuries."

Police are investigating whether the coach driver, who was not found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, fell asleep at the wheel. He is currently being quizzed by officers in Chalons-en-Champagne.

As well as 29 pupils from the school on board, a further 21 adults were on the coach - two drivers, along with six ski instructors and 13 adults belonging to the school. The trip was arranged by Interski Snowsport School, with the human consequences of the crash far outweighing any motor insurance claims.

After confirming that staff and children who were well enough to travel arrived back from France last night, the chair of governors added: "We continue to wish for the swift recovery and safe return of those who are currently being treated for injuries abroad.

"The school is open today and I can reassure you that specialist support is in place for children and staff.

"The headteacher's focus at this time, as I am sure you will understand, is being available to all who need her within the school.

"She joins me in praising Peter Rippington for all he has done for the school and local community over the years and her thoughts, as are mine, are with his family at this tragic time."