TRIBUTES have been paid to a "compassionate and caring" schoolgirl with a "smile that would light up the room" who has died after being hit by a car near the Merry Hill shopping centre.

Ruby Davies, who attended the Link Academy in Netherton, died yesterday (Monday November 28).

The 15-year-old was hit by a car on Pedmore Road at around 6pm on Friday (November 25).

Ruby was taken to Birmingham Children’s Hospital, but despite the best efforts of paramedics and hospital staff, she sadly passed away.

Pupils and staff at the Link Academy have been left heartbroken by her loss.

Headteacher Mrs Emma Edwards-Morgan paid tribute to fun-loving Ruby in a letter to parents stating: "Ruby was a quietly determined young lady with a wonderful sense of humour.

"She gave 100% in her studies and was compassionate, caring and resilient.

"The absence of her will leave a huge gap in our school community and she will be sadly missed by us all.

"Our thoughts are with Ruby’s family and friends at this difficult time."

Dudley News: Caring and compassionate Ruby Davies has died aged just 15 Caring and compassionate Ruby Davies has died aged just 15 (Image: The Link Academy)

A Go Fund Me Page has been started by her boyfriend Kian Shillingford's mum Lindsey Forsyth, to help raise £2k to pay for Ruby's funeral and memorials.

It states: "Our little Ruby passed away today after an accident this weekend giving someone else life by donating her organs to others in need making her my hero.

"She was very loved by everyone especially my children and my son Kian, her boyfriend, is heartbroken so we want to try and make things a little easier for the family by raising some funds to help with costs of everything.

"Anyone that knew Ruby or knows the family can you donate as much or as little as you can.

"Ruby was a fun-loving girl with a smile that would light up the room.

"She was kind, caring and had just a beautiful soul and would do anything to help anyone so let's return her kindness and help her family out.

"Thank you to everyone that helps it means the world xxxx god bless you ruby R.I.P beautiful girl."

Lindsey said her son, aged 16, was with Ruby when the accident happened and is devastated by her loss, as are her family and siblings.

Link Academy said it is planning a "place of reflection in the school grounds that will give learners a place to go to pay their respects and sign a book of condolence.

"If learners or the community wish to bring flowers or tributes in memory of Ruby, they can be placed outside the main Simms Lane gate and we will transfer them to the memory tree inside the fencing at the end of each day."

A spokeswoman for West Midlands Police said: "We can confirm that the 15-year-old girl hit by a car on Pedmore Road, on Friday has sadly died.

"Anyone who saw what happened and has not yet spoken to us should contact us via Live Chat on our website quoting log 3011 of 25/11."

The driver of the car stopped at the scene and is helping police with their enquiries.