SWMRtribute – by Jack Fifield
The family of a three-year-old girl who was killed after a van driver smashed in to a tram have spoken out about the ‘devastating void’ her death has left.
Louisa (Lulu) Palmisano, 3, was visiting Manchester with her parents on Saturday, February 22, when a van driver smashed in to a tram.
The van then rebounded on to the pavement, crashing in to the tot. After being rushed to hospital, Lulu sadly passed away from her injuries.
The driver of the van fled the scene, leading police on a two-day manhunt.
A 36-year-old man has now been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
Lulu’s parents, who were visiting Manchester for the weekend from Burnley, Lancs., paid tribute to her in a statement released by Greater Manchester Police.
They said: “Louisa (Lulu) was the sweetest, kindest, and most generous little girl.
“She was full of creativity and joy, and she absolutely loved going to nursery every day.
“Her absence has left a devastating void in our family—she was our only child, our whole world.
“We were simply enjoying a happy family day out in Manchester when this unimaginable tragedy struck. In an instant, our lives were shattered beyond repair.
“The pain of losing her is unbearable, and we miss her more than words can ever express.”
Greater Manchester Police’s detective sergeant Andrew Page said: “The family are being supported by specialist officers and have requested that the public and press respect their privacy at this time.
“We have arrested a suspect and have brought him into custody.
“This is still an active investigation, and we are looking for anyone who has any information regarding the case to come forward to get in touch with us.
“Please contact police on 0161 856 4741 quoting the log number 1086 of 22/02/25.”
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