“OUR DARLING DAUGHTER”: FAMILY’S HEARTBREAKING TRIBUTE TO SOPHIA AITKEN, 12, AFTER FATAL BUS COLLISION

A community in North Ayrshire is mourning the loss of a young schoolgirl after a collision in Kilwinning. Her family remember her as a “ray of sunshine” who was loved by everyone who knew her.

The family of 12-year-old Sophia Aitken are facing an unimaginable loss after the schoolgirl died following a collision involving a bus in Kilwinning, Scotland.

Sophia was involved in the incident on Lauchlan Way at approximately 1:10 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Emergency services were called to the scene after a bus collided with the young pedestrian.

Despite the response, Sophia was pronounced dead at the scene. Police Scotland confirmed that no other injuries were reported.

In the days that followed, her family released a deeply emotional tribute through Police Scotland, sharing a few words that reflected just how much she meant to those closest to 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.”

They continued with words that captured the depth of their grief:

“A light has gone out, and it will never return.”

The family also expressed gratitude for the messages of support they had received from the community, while asking for privacy as they come to terms with their loss.

A young life remembered for its bright smile

Sophia was a pupil at Kilwinning Academy, where she was remembered as a popular and well-liked member of the school community.

Following the tᩚraɢedy, the school community and North Ayrshire Council shared their condolences with her family and everyone affected.

A council spokesperson described Sophia as someone known for her “bright smile, vibrant personality and helpful nature”.

She was remembered as a student who had made a positive impression on those around her.

The council also acknowledged how deeply the loss had affected the wider school community, saying that support and guidance would be made available to pupils and staff in the coming days, weeks and months.

For the young people and teachers who knew Sophia, her absence will be felt far beyond the classroom.

Police investigation continues

Police Scotland confirmed that the collision happened at around 1:10 p.m. on November 3, while Sophia was a pedestrian on Lauchlan Way.

The road was closed for several hours as officers carried out their investigation before reopening later that evening.

Sergeant Stewart Taylor said police were continuing to establish the full circumstances of the incident.

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

He also thanked witnesses who had already come forward and those who assisted at the scene.

Police are asking anyone who has relevant dashcam footage or information that has not yet been shared with officers to contact them.

Anyone able to help is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1484 of November 3, 2026.

Stagecoach responds to the tᩚraɢedy

Stagecoach confirmed that one of its South Scotland buses was involved in the collision.

Fiona Doherty, regional director for Stagecoach Scotland, said the company’s immediate thoughts were with Sophia’s family and everyone affected.

The company also confirmed that it was supporting employees directly involved in the incident and providing assistance to Police Scotland as enquiries continue.

No further conclusions about how the collision happened have been announced.

A family asks for privacy as a community remembers

In the aftermath of the tᩚraɢedy, flowers and tributes were left near the scene, reflecting the sadness felt throughout the local area.

But beyond the police investigation and public statements, there is a family grieving a daughter whose future should have held so many more possibilities.

Sophia’s family have asked for privacy during this difficult time. Their words remain a moving reminder of the young girl they knew and loved: a daughter, a friend and a ray of sunshine in the lives of those around her.

For the people who knew Sophia, she will be remembered not simply for the tragic circumstances of her passing, but for the bright smile, vibrant personality and kindness that made her special.

Rest in peace, Sophia Aitken.