Melissa Premaratne Obituary: Highgate School Student, 16, Dies After North London Collision

NORTH LONDON — The Highgate School community is grieving the loss of Melissa Premaratne, a 16-year-old Year 12 pupil who died after being struck by a car while walking to school in Highgate, north London.

Melissa died on Thursday, September 24, 2026, following a collision on North Road. The Metropolitan Police said officers were called to the scene at approximately 8:13 a.m. after receiving reports of a collision involving a pedestrian and a car.

Emergency services attended, but Melissa was pronounced dead at the scene. Her death has left her family, friends, classmates and teachers facing the sudden loss of a young person whose life and future held so much promise.

Who Was Melissa Premaratne?

Melissa Premaratne was a 16-year-old student in Year 12 at Highgate School in north London.

She was making her way to school when the fatal collision occurred on North Road. Her death has deeply affected the school community, where she was part of the daily lives of fellow pupils, teachers and staff.

Highgate School described her death as a terrible shock and said support was being provided to her family and members of the wider school community.

For those who knew Melissa, her passing represents the heartbreaking loss of a young person whose life was still unfolding.

What Happened to Melissa Premaratne?

According to the Metropolitan Police, officers were called at approximately 8:13 a.m. on September 24 following a collision involving a car and a pedestrian on North Road in Highgate.

The London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade and London’s Air Ambulance attended the scene.

Despite the emergency response, Melissa was pronounced dead at the location. Her next of kin were informed and were being supported by specialist officers.

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Family Pays Tribute to Melissa

Following her death, Melissa’s family shared a heartfelt tribute through the Metropolitan Police.

They described her as an “amazing person” and remembered her as a light in their lives, highlighting her kindness, warmth and beautiful spirit. They also expressed how deeply they would miss her every day.

The family’s words offer a glimpse of the young woman beyond the circumstances of the collision, reflecting the love and affection she brought into their lives.

For those mourning Melissa, the memories they hold of her personality, warmth and presence will remain an important part of how they remember her.

Driver Arrested After Fatal Highgate Collision

A 68-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by careless driving, according to police.

He was later released on bail while enquiries continued.

The arrest forms part of the ongoing investigation and does not establish criminal guilt. The circumstances of the collision remain under investigation.

The Metropolitan Police have appealed for witnesses and anyone who may have relevant footage from the area around the time of the incident to come forward.

Police Investigation and Appeal for Information

Detective Inspector Simon Ager is leading the investigation into Melissa’s death.

Investigators are seeking information that could help establish the events leading up to and during the collision.

Police are particularly interested in receiving:

• Witness accounts from people who were in the area.
• Dashcam footage.
• CCTV recordings.
• Mobile-phone footage.
• Any other information that may assist the investigation.

Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact the Metropolitan Police, quoting CAD1525/24Sept.

The investigation remains ongoing, and further information may be released as enquiries progress.

Highgate School Community Mourns

Melissa’s death has brought profound sadness to her family and the wider Highgate School community.

For classmates and teachers, her absence is a painful reminder of the young life lost in the collision. The school has acknowledged the impact of the tragedy and is providing support to those affected.

As pupils, staff and friends come to terms with the loss, memories of Melissa’s kindness, warmth and spirit remain central to the tributes shared in her honor.

Her family and the school community are navigating this difficult period while seeking to preserve her memory and support one another.

Remembering Melissa Premaratne

Melissa Premaratne will be remembered by her loved ones as an amazing young person whose warmth and kindness made a lasting impression.

Although her life ended far too soon, the memories she created with her family, friends and school community will remain with those who knew her.

Our heartfelt condolences go to Melissa’s family, friends, classmates, teachers and everyone affected by her passing. May they find comfort in their memories of her and strength in the support of those around them.

May Melissa Premaratne be remembered with love, and may she rest in peace.