BILLY ELLIOT dancer, 12, killed in UK bus accident

[jacobsnchz14]

Posted: 3/19/11 at 6:19pm

The BILLY ELLIOT cast member killed on Thursday night by a double-decker bus in London was a young girl "living her dream as a dancer," her family told reporters.

Charlotte Leatherbarrow, 12, was crossing Herne Hill Road near her home in southeast London on Thursday evening when she was hit by the double-decker bus. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to reports, the schoolgirl played the role of a young ballerina in the West End stage production, which features an award-winning score by Sir Elton John.

The grieving family said, "Charlotte was a fun-loving, thoughtful, caring and bubbly girl. She loved life and lived it to the full. Each and every one of us will miss her enormously."

A spokesman from the production said, "The cast, crew and production team of 'Billy Elliot the Musical' were devastated to hear the tragic news about 12-year-old Charlotte Leatherbarrow, one of the show's young performers. At this terribly sad time, our thoughts are with her family."

The bus driver, treated at the scene of the accident, escaped without serious injury. The accident is being investigated by police.

Alan Bradshaw, the children's dance captain for the company, worked closely with Charlotte during her time with BILLY ELLIOT.

"Charlotte was the most adorable girl," he said. "She was lively and energetic, had a wonderful smile and was an absolute pleasure to work with."

Read more: https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/BILLY_ELLIOT_Dancer_12_Killed_in_UK_Bus_Accident_20110319#ixzz1H5QlFia7

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This is terrible news to hear. My prayers are with Charlotte, her family, and the West End company of BILLY ELLIOT. Updated On: 3/19/11 at 06:19 PM

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 3/19/11 at 6:41pm

This is very sad. The cast, crew, and smoky will definitely be in my thoughts and prayers.

[EponineAmneris]

Posted: 3/19/11 at 8:47pm

VERY sad to hear My thoughts and prayers are with the cast and most of all her family

[AvenueQResident]

Posted: 3/19/11 at 9:13pm

I saw the show for the first time in January, so I probably saw her perform. I'll double-check my programme.

Very sad news Condolences to everyone affected by this.

[chellylovesrent]

Posted: 3/19/11 at 9:27pm

It is such a shame that we have lost two young, talented performers in five months (Shannon Travarez in Nov.). It breaks my heart when we lose child performers who do not get to grow as a performer, and have to go too soon. My heart goes out to her family.

[BroadwayBound062]

Posted: 3/20/11 at 5:25am

So sad....RIP

[boardwalker2]

Posted: 3/20/11 at 1:54pm

Heartbreaking. RIP tiny dancer. Thoughts and prayers to her family. Condolences to the cast and crew of Billy Elliot.

[bundy5000]

Posted: 3/20/11 at 2:28pm

May she rest in peace. God Bless her family

[americanboy99]

Posted: 3/20/11 at 2:35pm

Wow. That's devastating. Praying for the entire cast and crew and the girl's family. That's just so sad.

[fingerlakessinger]

Posted: 3/20/11 at 2:52pm

Not to sound cheesy, but she is dancing for the angels now. My prayers go to her family and friends.

[DRSisLove]

Posted: 3/20/11 at 3:49pm

Saw her perform in the show last Saturday. Really upsetting to hear this.

[Bwaynerd]

Posted: 3/20/11 at 5:00pm

:'(