Tribute to 10-year-old crash victim Brooke Bagley

A LITTLE girl who died after being knocked off her bike has been described by her family as a talented and popular child who was “full of life”.
Brooke Bagley.Brooke Bagley.
Brooke Bagley.

Brooke Bagley, ten, suffered serious head injuries when she was struck by a car near her home on the A71 at West Main Street, West Calder, on Saturday.

She was rushed to the Sick Kids hospital in Edinburgh but died on Monday night.

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The death of the St Mary’s Primary pupil has left her family “heartbroken” and sent shockwaves through the West Calder and Polbeth communities.

Burngrange Cottages, where the girl was knocked off her bike. Picture: Google MapsBurngrange Cottages, where the girl was knocked off her bike. Picture: Google Maps
Burngrange Cottages, where the girl was knocked off her bike. Picture: Google Maps

Brooke’s classmates and teachers were offered specialist counselling as news of the tragedy spread yesterday.

In a statement issued via Police Scotland, her family said: “Brooke was a bright and intelligent young girl who was full of life, with a large circle of friends.

“She will be sadly missed by us her family, her friends and all who knew her.

“We have been left heartbroken and devastated by the loss of Brooke.”

Marie Brown, headteacher at St Mary’s Primary, described Brooke’s loss as “desperately sad”. She said: “Brooke was a popular primary seven pupil who set a good example for all children in the school and loved her role as a primary one buddy.

“She was talented at writing, photography and art work and was a very good friend to many. Brooke will be sadly missed by everyone at St Mary’s Primary School and Polbeth Nursery.”

She said that the school – which has remained open as normal – would take time to consider a fitting way to

remember Brooke.

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West Lothian’s executive councillor for education, Lawrence Fitzpatrick, said: “On be-half of West Lothian Council, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Brooke’s family and friends at this very sad and difficult time.”

Neighbours described Brooke as “lovely little girl” who was often seen out cycling with her friends.

Brooke had been riding her bike near the family home at Burngrange Cottages when she was struck by the black Nissan Micra at around 6.30pm on Saturday.

Richard Melrose, who lives just yards from where tragedy struck, said: “Our toilet window was open and while my wife, Rosemary, was in the bathroom she heard screaming.

“At first we thought it was just the children out playing in the swing park over the back, but then we realised it was more serious.

“We didn’t actually see what happened but Rosemary ran out and put her coat over the wee girl. There was loads of people surrounding her with blankets and things. It’s just tragic, such a horrible thing to have happened right on our doorstep.”

Another resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “I was at a Hallowe’en party when the incident actually happened, but on my return there was loads of emergency services.

“I just can’t believe it – you hear of these things happening on the news all the time but you never imagine it happening right outside your house.

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“She was such a lovely little girl, I can’t bear to think what her family are going through.”

Peter Vincent, vice-chairman of West Calder and Harburn Community Council, said thoughts were with the Bagley family.

He said: “This is a small town and everyone will be very shocked and stunned by the news. The initial police report suggested it was serious but not life-threatening, so to find out that she has passed away, it’s absolutely horrific.”

The driver of the car remained at the scene to speak to the emergency services after the incident, but police are appealing for witnesses.