The teenager, identified by British police as Melissa Premaratne, was a Year 12 student at Highgate School.
London’s Metropolitan Police said officers were called to North Road in Highgate at 8:13 a.m. on Thursday, September 24, following a collision involving a pedestrian and a car. Emergency services attended, but Melissa was pronounced dead at the scene.
Highgate School confirmed that Melissa had been on her way to school when the accident occurred.
A 68-year-old man who was driving the vehicle was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by careless driving. He was subsequently released on bail while police investigations continue.
The vehicle involved belonged to private-hire company Addison Lee, which said it was cooperating with the police investigation.
Paying tribute to Melissa, her family described her as a “light in our lives” and remembered her kindness, warmth and spirit.
Police have appealed for witnesses and anyone with dashcam, CCTV or mobile phone footage from the area at the time of the collision to come forward.
