'Devastated' family pay tribute to 'ray of sunshine' daughter, 12, after she was hit and killed by bus on her school lunch break

Published: 07:55 EDT, 5 November 2026 | Updated: 07:55 EDT, 5 November 2026 A family have paid tribute to their 12-year-old daughter after she was hit and killed by a double-decker bus while on her school lunch break.Sophia Aitken was struck by the vehicle on Lauchlan Way in the Scottish town of Kilwinning, Ayrshire, just after 1.10pm on Tuesday.The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene and the road was closed for investigations into the crash before being reopened at around 7.30pm.No one else was injured in the collision and police immediately launched a probe to establish the full circumstances of the incident. In a statement released through Police Scotland, Sophia's family paid tribute to the school girl, saying: '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.'The probe into the crash is ongoing and investigators were seen inspecting the bus before it was towed away. Sophia Aitken, pictured, was hit and killed by a bus on her school lunch break. Her family have paid tribute to their 12-year-old daughter The school girl was struck by the vehicle on Lauchlan Way, pictured, in the Scottish town of Kilwinning, Ayrshire, just after 1.10pm on TuesdayOne local parent told The Sun: 'My son was heading for his lunch from school and heard it happen.'He heard screams. I think everyone standing nearby got a fright and was left traumatised. It's just terrible.'Sergeant Stewart Taylor said: 'Our thoughts first and foremost are with Sophia's family and friends, and everyone affected by this crash.'We know there were a lot of people out in the area at the time of this crash, and I'd like to thank those witnesses who have come forward in support of our inquiries.'This incident will be felt by the local community and our investigation continues to establish what happened.'If you have any relevant dashcam footage or information that has not already been provided to officers, please contact us as soon as possible.'