Supplied
The parents of a British schoolboy who died in the Swiss coach horror formally identified their son this morning.
Eleven year-old Sebastian Bowles was one of 22 children who died, along with six adults, after the school holiday crash.
Just 48 hours earlier, Sebastian had posed smiling for a photograph in the Alps and had told his parents Ann and Edward "it's really great here" and that he was having the time of his life.
He wrote the excited message on a school blog as the end of the holiday loomed. He addressed it to "Dearest Mama, Papa, Helena and Flopsy" - and told them: "I can already ski quite well."
The banker's son's poignant words emerged as photos were released of children killed in the horrific Swiss crash.
Edward, who moved his family from London two years ago to be near his Belgian wife's family, and Ann were grief-stricken as they identified their son in Switzerland. The family previously lived in Crouch End, North London.
Edward is thought to regularly commute to their new home while remaining based in London. He is a former head of human rights at the Ministry of Justice and worked as chief of staff to two government ministers but now works for Standard Chartered Bank.
A shocked parent at Sebastian's old school - Our Lady of Muswell RC Primary, in Muswell Hill - told The Sun: "He was a lovely boy, friendly and full of fun. We all remember his smile.
"His friends here can't believe what has happened."
Sebastian's mum had been a school governor.
The parent said: "The whole family were well liked and respected.
"They moved to Belgium for quality of life and to be near Ann's parents, which makes the tragedy even more heart-rending."
A family friend said: "It is horrible news... awful."
Three surviving children were still in a coma last night. At least 21 others were also hurt - some suffering appalling injuries.
Survivors suggested a teacher had struggled to load a DVD for pupils to watch - and the driver may have been distracted as he tried to help. Investigators say CCTV from the tunnel near the town of Sierre did not back the theory. But they ruled out fears the driver was speeding.