BILLY ELLIOT Dancer, 12, Killed in U.K. Bus Accident

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."

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