Parents of boy, 10, killed in school Minehead coach crash thank community for 'overwhelming' support as they speak for first time since their son's death
Oliver Price was tragically pronounced dead at the scene after the 70-seater coach transporting pupils and teachers from Exmoor Zoo back to Minehead Middle School flipped on July 17.
The bus had been travelling on the A396 at Cutcombe Hill near Minehead when it slid down a 20ft slope.
Oliver was devastatingly found trapped in his seat having suffered fatal head injuries as a result, with many more children and adults being rushed to hospital.
In the near-two weeks since Oliver's death, dozens of mourners in the community have laid bouquets of flowers outside his former school.
Now speaking for the first time since the loss of their son, Oliver's grieving parents, Lucy and Matthew, have thanked their 'amazing community' for how they have responded to the crash that shocked the seaside town.
They said: 'As Oliver's parents we have seen first-hand the incredible response from the community after the awful collision earlier this month.
'We are so very grateful to all the many emergency service workers who responded initially and those who continue to provide support in the aftermath, through the police investigation and the hospital teams who continue to look after those who were injured.'
With many on the bus suffering injuries that day, Lucy and Matthew thanked staff at the Rest and Be Thankful Pub, in Wheddon Cross, who 'opened their doors to everyone without hesitation' so that people could have a safe place to meet.
Figures last week revealed that two children and three adults remained in hospital after the tragedy, to whom Lucy and Matthew sent their 'best wishes and hopes for a speedy recovery'.
They continued: 'The support we've received from our amazing community has been overwhelming. To those who left kind messages, or flowers outside the school, we want to say thank you.
'We are also grateful beyond words for all the staff and parents at the wonderful Minehead Middle School and for the love we've been shown by all our family and friends. We truly do appreciate you all.
'Finally, we would also like to pass on our thanks to the police investigation team for their support and ongoing hard work. We know this is a complex and emotive investigation but we appreciate their regular updates and continued efforts.'
The headteacher of Minehead Middle School, Laura Mackie, also issued a tribute to Oliver as she said the school would 'always treasure the moments we shared with him'.
In a statement on Thursday, she added: 'The loss of such a brilliant young life has profoundly affected everyone - students, staff, families, and the wider community.
'We continue to keep Oliver and those closest to him firmly in our thoughts, and we are supporting our school community with great care and sensitivity as we begin to process what has happened.
'Our focus remains on caring for one another and moving forward gently, with compassion, as we begin to navigate the future together.'
The inquest into Oliver's death opened at Somerset Coroner's Court last Thursday and is due to resume on January 14.
Assistant coroner Vanessa McKinlay read evidence of identification from coroner's officer Ben Batley, which said: 'Oliver was found seated in the coach with his seat belt on. His death was confirmed by the attending paramedic.
'Oliver's provisional cause of death is head injury pending results of laboratory investigations.'
The inquest will resume with a one-day hearing to involve evidence from witnesses including the adult passengers on the coach, other witnesses, the coach driver, and specialist collision investigators and vehicle examiners.
Around £100,000 has been raised to support those affected by the coach crash by the Somerset Community Foundation's (SCF) Together for West Somerset appeal as well as individual fundraisers.
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