Jeremy Richardson, head at Beckfoot Thornton, off Leaventhorpe Lane, Thornton, passed away on Thursday following the incident in Byron Street, Barkerend, the previous day.

Mr Richardson, who leaves behind a wife and three children, has been described as "a great leader and a wonderful man" as well as "a much-loved husband and father".

Beckfoot Thornton headteacher Jeremy Richardson, here pictured in 2019.

Beckfoot Thornton teacher Gareth Walker left a touching tribute on Facebook.

He said: "This man made me into the teacher I am today. Non-stop support and praise from an amazing leader and headteacher. Devastating news for our ever-improving school. I have never met a more determined leader than Jeremy. No child was left behind in his legacy. Thoughts go out to his family and close friends. You will heavily be missed."

BOOK OF CONDOLENCE: Leave your tribute to Jeremy Richardson and read all the messages of condolence 

Another colleague said: "Mr Richardson was an excellent headmaster and has taken Beckfoot Thornton to new heights. It is a school I am proud to work for thanks to all the changes he put in place. We hope this will carry on. I have worked there for three years and he was always kind and polite to everyone. He will be sadly missed by everyone."

Jane Eagle, who also works at the school, added: "Remembering a wonderful man and an inspirational leader. I am grateful to have worked alongside him, mentored by him and inspired by him. Jeremy Richardson - a true gentleman and legend."

Kelly Dean said: "What a lovely man. It was a pleasure to make him his lunch and have a chat with him. Thoughts to his family at this very sad time. He will be missed greatly."

Beckfoot Thornton school.

Current and former Thornton and Allerton Ward councillors were keen to pay tribute to the community figure.

Cllr Sue Duffy: "I am absolutely devastated. It is tragic. I had met him on a number of occasions. He was a nice man and very proactive. It is terrible and a real shock. You can't help but feel for his family and the staff and pupils. He was a prominent figure for those at the school and was well respected. He made a massive difference to the school."

Richard Dunbar, who decided not to run for election, added: "Thoughts go to his family. He was so committed to his job as a headteacher and wanted to get the best out of the school. It has just taken me back a bit, it is very sad news."

The Telegraph & Argus set up a book of condolence for Mr Richardson which has been inundated with tributes from the parents of present and former pupils at the school.

Barbara Collins said: "I'm so devastated about your passing Jeremy you were an absolutely amazing head teacher, you made Beckfoot Thornton a fantastic school, you will be truly missed by all.

Lisa Gallagher added: "My daughter is a pupil at Beckfoot Thornton and Mr Richardson's loss will be deeply felt by everyone in the school and everyone whose life he played his part in shaping. He was a great headmaster and an inspiration to his pupils and he will leave a lasting legacy in many young lives. It is truly sad and my thoughts are with all who knew him and his family."

Sema Khan said: "What a wonderful man and a massive loss to his family and the school. My daughter started at the same time he did and I remember his first speech to parents and young people, he was so inspiring. He gave me hope for the education of my daughter, which today was her last day and he had fulfilled his promise to us. I am so sorry for this tragic accident my thoughts and prayers are with all those he had an impact on and most of all to his family."

Sabia Khan added: "I was deeply saddened and very shocked to hear this news. Mr Richardson made an incredible impact on the school where my three children attended years ago, they too were shocked about this. His contributions to the school and his speeches at parent meetings were very motivating. A very big loss to Beckfoot Thornton, my thoughts are with the family at this tragic time."

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