According to a press statement from her family, "Our beloved 12-year-old daughter, Charlotte, was tragically taken from us on Thursday 17th March, 2011 on Herne Hill Road around 7 PM. She was hit by a bus while crossing the road, which is currently being investigated by the police. Charlotte was a fun-loving, thoughtful, caring and bubbly girl. She loved life and lived it to the full, already living her dream as a dancer."

A statement from the show's producers added, "The cast, crew and production team of Billy Elliot The Musical were devastated to hear the tragic news about Charlotte Leatherbarrow, one of the show’s young performers. At this terribly sad time our thoughts are with her family."

Alan Bradshaw, the show's Children’s Dance Captain who worked closely with her, is quoted commenting, "Charlotte was the most adorable girl. She was lively and energetic, had a wonderful smile and was an absolute pleasure to work with. Each and every one of us will miss her enormously."