Schoolgirl killed in Rowley Regis New Year crash died from head injuries, inquest hears
A14-year-old schoolgirl who was killed when she was hit by a car on New Year's Eve died as a result of head injuries.
The inquest into the death of Olivia Kolek was opened and adjourned on Thursday.
The 14-year-old had been on her way to a party when she was hit by a grey Mercedes at around 4.45pm on December 31 in Station Road, Rowley Regis.
The teenager, who was crossing the road at a pelican crossing outside Rowley Regis railway station when she was hit, was pronounced dead 45 minutes later despite medics' best efforts.
At Thursday's hearing the cause of death was given as a traumatic head injury.
Senior Black Country Coroner Mr Zafar Siddique adjourned the hearing until March 15.
Following her death, Olivia's Polish parents Izabela Maziakowska and Lucsaz Kolek led the tributes, describing the 14-year-old as their “brightest star” who was “always smiling”.
Colourful flowers, emotional written tributes and an array of balloons were left at the scene in the days after the collision.
A 39-year-old man, stopped and was arrested on suspicion of causing death by driving while under the influence of drugs.
He has since been released under investigation.
