“SHE WAS OUR RAY OF SUNSHINE” — FAMILY BREAKS SILENCE AFTER 12-YEAR-OLD SOPHIA AITKEN diᩚєs IN DEVASTATING BUS COLLISION

Sophia Aitken was just 12 years old. Now, her heartbroken family have shared their first words after the schoolgirl died following a collision with a double-decker bus in Kilwinning, Scotland. Their emotional tribute has left a community mourning a young girl they say brought happiness to everyone who knew her.

A family in North Ayrshire is facing an unimaginable loss after their beloved daughter, Sophia Aitken, died in a tragic collision involving a bus.

The 12-year-old schoolgirl was involved in the incident on Lauchlan Way in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, at approximately 1:10pm on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

Emergency services rushed to the scene following reports of a collision involving a pedestrian and a double-decker bus.

Despite the emergency response, Sophia was pronounced dead at the scene.

There were no other reported injuries.

But as news of the tᩚraɢedy spread, it was the words released by Sophia’s family that revealed the heartbreaking reality behind the headlines.

“OUR DARLING DAUGHTER” — A FAMILY’S FIRST HEARTBREAKING WORDS

In a statement released through Police Scotland, Sophia’s family expressed their devastation at losing their little girl.

They said:

“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.

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

“We are comforted by the messages from the community. We would like to ask for privacy to grieve at this difficult time.”

Their words paint a picture of a much-loved daughter whose presence brought warmth and happiness to those around her.

For her family, Sophia was not simply a schoolgirl whose name would appear in news reports. She was their daughter, a precious part of their everyday lives and someone whose absence will be felt in countless ways.

The family have thanked members of the community for their messages of support while asking for privacy as they navigate the painful days ahead.

A SCHOOL REMEMBERS HER BRIGHT SMILE

Sophia was a pupil at Kilwinning Academy, where her sudden passing has left classmates, teachers and staff deeply saddened.

The school community remembered her as a popular and well-liked student, known for her bright smile.

North Ayrshire Council also paid tribute to the young girl, describing her as someone with a vibrant personality and a helpful nature.

A council spokesperson said:

“Known for her bright smile, vibrant personality and helpful nature, she was a popular and well-liked member of our school community.”

The council acknowledged that this is an extremely difficult and emotional time for everyone who knew Sophia.

Support and guidance are being made available to pupils and staff who may need help coping with the loss.

For her classmates, returning to school without a familiar face will be an especially painful experience.

The everyday moments they once shared with Sophia are now memories they will carry with them.

WHAT HAPPENED ON LAUCHLAN WAY?

The collision happened shortly after lunchtime on Tuesday, November 3, on Lauchlan Way in Kilwinning.

Police Scotland confirmed that officers were called at around 1:10pm following reports of a collision involving a 12-year-old female pedestrian and a bus.

The vehicle involved was a Stagecoach double-decker bus.

Sophia was pronounced dead at the scene.

The road was closed for several hours while emergency services attended and specialist officers carried out investigations. It later reopened after the initial examination was completed.

Police have not yet established the full circumstances surrounding the collision.

Sergeant Stewart Taylor said the thoughts of officers were with Sophia’s family, friends and everyone affected.

He also thanked witnesses who had come forward and members of the public who assisted at the scene.

Police Scotland has appealed for anyone who witnessed the collision or has relevant dashcam footage to contact officers.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 and quote incident number 1484 of November 3, 2026.

THE COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER IN GRIEF

As news of Sophia’s passing spread, the tᩚraɢedy sent shockwaves through Kilwinning.

Flowers and tributes were left near the scene as members of the community sought to express their sympathy and remember the young schoolgirl.

The family’s statement also acknowledged the kindness they had received from people around them.

Their words about being comforted by messages from the community reflect how important that support can be during an incredibly difficult period.

For Sophia’s friends and teachers, the loss is deeply personal.

For her family, it is the loss of a daughter whose place in their lives can never be replaced.

A LITTLE GIRL WHO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN

At just 12 years old, Sophia had so much of life still ahead of her.

There should have been more school memories, more laughter with friends, more ordinary family moments and countless opportunities to grow up.

Instead, her loved ones are left with memories of the girl they describe as their sunshine.

The investigation into the collision continues, and police are working to establish exactly what happened that afternoon.

But beyond the investigation and the headlines, Sophia will be remembered first and foremost as a beloved daughter, a cherished schoolgirl and a bright presence in the lives of those who knew her.

Her family’s words capture their loss in a way that few others could:

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

A heartbreaking reminder of a young life that meant so much to so many.

Rest peacefully, Sophia Aitken. You will not be forgotten.