Heartbreak for pupils and teachers after Leicester girl dies in crash
Pupils and teachers wept as they were told that a 12-year-old girl had been killed in a car crash.
Samantha Arnold, of Eyres Monsell, was one of three killed in a three-car collision, in Braunstone, on Saturday night.
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The scene of the fatal crash in Lubbesthorpe Way
Yesterday, a special assembly was held at Samantha's school, South Wigston High School.
In an online tribute, school friend Tiffany Vickers said: "You haven't been here with us all for long, but it seems like forever. Your big beautiful eyes and your great big smile will now only be seen in my head.
"You smiled at everyone you saw just to show them you were their friend and even the teachers were crying."
Father and son Michael Stannett, 53, from Whetstone, and 26-year-old David Stannett, from Kirby Muxloe, who were in another vehicle, also died in Saturday's crash on Lubbesthorpe Way.
Samantha's 35-year-old mother remains in a "serious but stable" condition at Leicester Royal Infirmary, while her 15-year-old sister is "stable" in hospital.
The crash happened when a Toyota Celica, travelling towards the A47 with Michael and David Stannett inside, was in collision with a Chrysler Voyager people carrier, containing Samantha, her mother and sister, and a Vauxhall Corsa, both travelling in the opposite direction.
The 40-year-old driver of the Corsa and his 12-year-old daughter were not injured.
A remembrance book has been opened for Samantha at her school.
Head teacher Gary Toward said Samantha had only been at the school six weeks after moving from New Parks but had already made a big impression.
He said: "She fitted in greatly with our ethos of coming here, taking part and trying your best. Every member of staff without exception said she met that.
"She was a thoroughly nice girl, tried hard and made friends. There has been a great outpouring of grief.
"The school sends its deepest sympathies to the family. I think some people thought they had made a friend for life, but now they are in shock that she has been taken away from them in this way."
Samantha was on her way home from rollerskating club Sk8house when the accident happened.
A group of South Wigston High School pupils also left a joint message: "You will always be in our hearts, you will never be forgotten."
Several bunches of flowers had been left yesterday at the scene of the crash.
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by Shelby Lockton, South Wigston High School
Tuesday, May 11 2010, 6:24PM
“R..i..P samantha <3
we will miss you even tho we'v not known u that long ur smile and ur beautiful eyes will stay with us in our head
but ur in a better place now
MISSYOU<3”
by Ashley Everett, Aylestone
Tuesday, May 11 2010, 5:40PM
“Samantha Arnold ,
You Shined Brightly As Soon As You Would Walk Through The Door , Now You Can Show The World You Brightness Your Beautiful Big Eyes And Your Gorgeous Smile .. You New Hw To Stand Out In A Crowd When I Herd Your Laugh It Made Me Smile When You Walked Intoo A Room You Would No Samantha Was Here , In Humanities Everyone Took The Mik Out Of You And Dom And I Would Stand Up For You Even Though Your Gone I Am Going Too Look In That Seat And Think ''Your Still Hear Samantha I Know You Are'' Your A Good Friend Babe And We Were Lucky To Have You At Our School , You Are NEVER Going To Be Forgotten Babe !! iloveyou Forever And Always
Rest . In . Peace .
Samantha Arnold; The Beautiful, Amazing Girl Thats Gone Forever But She Is Still In Our Hearts ! Going Too Be The Brightest Star Up There , When I Saw Your”
by Jessica Davy, South Wigston High School
Tuesday, May 11 2010, 5:26PM
“samantha was a nice girl, pretty, amazing in my ways. first when she came to our school i saw her at my friench class and sat behide me, i spoke to her and i think we could of been good friends. then we had some pretty good amazing laughs with sam, nikita( her bestfriend) and me, i miss those days:(. it is soo sad how you have been taken from us in a mater of slow but sudden minutes i bare to think about your family i hope your sister + mum get well there pretty amazing too to have someone like samantha to be there sister or daughter. and i hope the family are well and i hope for the best!! i think everyone one coudnt believe the news but you dont know what gonna happen and its came to an upset, and as mentioned the assemberly on monday i cried it was hard for everyone even mr toward and the teachers, and just to think i wont see her agen and get friends better have laughs. we shall respect her in everyway and will dearly miss her. I LOVE YOU <3 rip xxxxxxx.”
by lisa, leicester
Tuesday, May 11 2010, 5:07PM
“Love to Sam and family but also to the Family of Michael and David Stannett, may Father and Son live on together. xx”
by lisa, leicester
Tuesday, May 11 2010, 5:04PM
“love to Sam and family but also to the family of Michael and David Stannett. may father and son live on together. xx”
by Tarah Atkin, Glen Parva
Tuesday, May 11 2010, 4:20PM
“R.I.P Sam missing you loads but still love you more than words can say! :) Best wishes to your mum and sister.xxxx:)”
by Danielle Cole, Leicester South Wigston High School
Tuesday, May 11 2010, 4:17PM
“Hey sam we never reallly got to know each other but all day yesterday( Monday ) i couldent consentrate i was thinking to much about you.you were a lovely girl and i will always remember you love from Danielle.xx
YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART <3”
by Shannon Hunt, Leicester South Wigston High School
Tuesday, May 11 2010, 4:14PM
“Sam u were 1of my best friends eva and i will always rmember u .the last thing i heard u say as u was "shaza u r on of my bestest friends"
and i will always remember ur voice .. I LOVE U SAM LOAAADDSS AND WILL ALWAYS MISS U BBE> you are always in my heart... XX <3”
by Sian Bradbury, Leicester South Wigston High School
Tuesday, May 11 2010, 4:10PM
“Samantha x
i new u bbe but not much, i wish i new u more.
R.I.P. BBE I LUV YA
u will be sadly missed by everyone xxxx
luv ya babieeee”
by Dawn, Hinckley
Tuesday, May 11 2010, 3:51PM
“I am saddened and shocked to hear about this tradegy, my deepest sympathys go out to her family and friends”