NORTH LONDON — The Highgate School community is mourning the reported death of Melissa Premaratne, a 16-year-old pupil who died after being struck by a car while making her way to school in Highgate, north London.
Melissa died following a collision on North Road, Highgate, on Thursday, September 24, 2026. The Metropolitan Police said officers were called at approximately 8:13 a.m. after a collision involving a pedestrian and a car. Emergency services attended, but Melissa was pronounced dead at the scene.
Her family has remembered her as an “amazing person” and described her as a light in their lives, highlighting her kindness, warmth and spirit.
Melissa Premaratne Dies at 16
Melissa Premaratne was 16 years old and a Year 12 pupil at Highgate School.
According to the school, she was on her way to classes when the collision occurred.
The sudden death has deeply affected the school community, including pupils, teachers and staff who are now dealing with the loss of a young member of their community.
Highgate School said the death had come as a terrible shock and that support was being provided to Melissa’s family and the wider school community.
What Happened to Melissa Premaratne?
The Metropolitan Police said they were called at 08:13 on Thursday, September 24, following a collision involving a pedestrian and a car on North Road in Highgate.
Police officers attended alongside the London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade and London’s Air Ambulance.
Despite the emergency response, Melissa was pronounced dead at the scene. Her next of kin were informed and were being supported by specialist officers.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have appealed for witnesses and anyone with relevant dashcam, CCTV or mobile-phone footage.
Melissa Was on Her Way to Highgate School
Melissa was a pupil at Highgate School and was travelling to school when the collision occurred.
The school described the incident as deeply distressing and said it was supporting students, staff and Melissa’s family following her death.
For classmates and teachers, the circumstances have made the loss particularly difficult because Melissa was still in the midst of her education and had been beginning the next stage of her life.
Family Pays Tribute to Melissa
Melissa’s family released a tribute through the Metropolitan Police following her death.
They remembered her as an “amazing person” and said her kindness, warmth and beautiful spirit would remain in their hearts.
The family also said they would miss her deeply every day.
Their tribute has become an important part of the public remembrance surrounding Melissa’s death, offering a glimpse of the person beyond the circumstances of the collision.
Driver Arrested After Fatal Highgate Collision
A 68-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by careless driving.
Police subsequently confirmed that he had been released on bail while enquiries continue. No finding of criminal liability has been established, and the investigation remains ongoing.
The Metropolitan Police are appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision or has relevant footage from the area around the time of the incident.
Police Investigation Continues
Detective Inspector Simon Ager is leading the investigation.
Police are seeking information that could help establish exactly what happened before and during the collision.
Investigators have specifically appealed for:
- Witness accounts
- Dashcam footage
- CCTV recordings
- Mobile-phone footage
- Other information from people who were in the area at the time
Anyone with information is being asked to contact the Metropolitan Police, quoting CAD1525/24Sept.
Highgate Community Remembers Melissa
Melissa’s death has affected not only her immediate family but also the wider Highgate and school communities.
A young person’s death can leave classmates and teachers facing a sudden absence in their everyday environment.
For those who knew Melissa, memories of her personality, kindness and interactions with others will become an important part of how she is remembered.
The school community is also being encouraged to support one another while respecting the privacy of Melissa’s family.
Melissa Premaratne Obituary Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Melissa Premaratne |
| Age | 16 |
| School | Highgate School |
| Year Group | Year 12 |
| Location | Highgate, North London |
| Date of Collision | September 24, 2026 |
| Road | North Road, Highgate |
| Time Police Called | Approximately 8:13 a.m. |
| Incident | Pedestrian struck by car |
| Outcome | Died at the scene |
| Emergency Services | Metropolitan Police, London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade and London’s Air Ambulance |
| Driver | 68-year-old man |
| Arrest | Suspicion of causing death by careless driving |
| Current Driver Status | Released on bail |
| Investigation | Ongoing |
| Funeral Arrangements | Not publicly announced |
Funeral and Memorial Arrangements
At the time of writing, official funeral, visitation and memorial arrangements for Melissa Premaratne have not been publicly announced.
The family has asked for privacy while they deal with the loss.
Any future information regarding a funeral, memorial service or other arrangements should be confirmed through Melissa’s family, Highgate School or an official announcement.
Remembering Melissa Beyond the Collision
While the circumstances of Melissa’s death are the subject of an ongoing investigation, her family has emphasized the person she was rather than the tragedy itself.
They remembered her kindness, warmth and spirit.
For classmates and friends, those personal qualities may become some of the memories that remain strongest.
A school day, a conversation or an ordinary interaction can take on new meaning after a young person is suddenly gone.
Those memories will now form part of Melissa’s lasting legacy within the people and community who knew her.
Final Tribute to Melissa Premaratne
Melissa Premaratne, 16, died following a collision on North Road in Highgate while she was on her way to Highgate School.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that she was pronounced dead at the scene after emergency services responded.
Her family has remembered her as an amazing person and a light in their lives, highlighting her kindness, warmth and beautiful spirit.
A 68-year-old driver was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and later released on bail while the investigation continues.
For Melissa’s family, friends, classmates and teachers, the coming days will be a period of grief and remembrance.
May Melissa Premaratne be remembered for the warmth, kindness and spirit her family says she brought into their lives.
May her family, friends and the entire Highgate School community find comfort and strength during this difficult time.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information released by the Metropolitan Police, Highgate School and current reporting. The investigation remains ongoing, and details concerning the collision or any future legal proceedings may change as additional information becomes available.