A SCHOOL community has paid tribute to a “beautiful” teenager who died after a plane crash in China.

Talented musician Justina Zhang, 19, was working as a Chinese translator for Hollywood stunt pilot David Riggs when their aircraft crashed into Caihu Lake in north-east China during a trial flight at around 1pm on Tuesday last week.

Queen’s College student Justina, who left the sixth form last year, was pulled from the water, but died later in hospital.

The pilot’s body was rec-overed from the lake by Chinese police three days later.

School chaplain the Rev Robert Blackhall led a service of remembrance last week, including Justina’s favourite songs and reflections on her four years at Queen’s.

Head teacher Chris Alcock said: “It has been a very emotional week for all of us at Queen’s as we’ve tried to come to terms with the tragic news of Justina’s untimely death.

“Justina was an enormously talented musician and actress, and a popular and influential figure in her boarding house.

“The response of the whole school community has been deeply impressive.

“Pupils and staff have comforted each other, and the love, care and mutual support which define the Queen’s College family have been clearly evident.

“I’m extremely proud of everyone at the school and how they’ve responded to the challenges of the past few days – Justina was very special to us and we’ll remember her with great affection.”

Justina played the guzheng, a Chinese instrument similar to a zither, at regular school events.

The school plans to hold another remembrance event when Justina’s family fly over from China.

Lorna Anderson posted a tribute on Facebook, saying: “I loved to hear her play and watch her natural, expressive skill on such a complex instrument.”

Others described Justina as a “great musician” and “a beautiful girl”.

The Chinese Centre for Aviation is inv-estigating the crash.