A 10-year-old girl tragically died from head injuries after being struck by an electric BMW that crashed through fencing and onto a football pitch during training, an inquest has heard.
Poppy Atkinson, a talented young footballer from Kendal, Cumbria, was fatally injured at Kendal Rugby Union Club on 5 March 2025, during a routine football session. The inquest into her death was opened this morning at Cockermouth Coroner’s Court.
Acting coroner Kirsty Gomersal confirmed that a post-mortem examination concluded Poppy died from “head injuries.” Her death was pronounced by paramedics at 5.12pm, shortly after emergency services were called to the pitch.
The tragic incident occurred when a 40-year-old driver reportedly lost control of his electric BMW, which crashed through perimeter fencing and onto the all-weather pitch, hitting Poppy and injuring another young girl. The driver, from Lancaster, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and later released while investigations continue.
Poppy’s parents, Ben and Clare, were not present at the brief three-minute hearing but were represented by their solicitor, Emily Taylor, who also confirmed formal identification was made at the Royal Lancashire Infirmary.
A Promising Footballer Remembered
Poppy was an enthusiastic member of the Kendal United under-12s team, and had also represented Cumbria at county level. Known for her determination to one day play professionally for Manchester United, her family said she was “100 per cent determined” to reach her dream.
Following her death, the community has rallied around the Atkinson family. Her funeral, held just yesterday in Kendal, drew hundreds of mourners who lined the streets dressed in red, the colour of her beloved Manchester United, in tribute. Her coffin, adorned with artwork of a poppy field and the “Theatre of Dreams” at Old Trafford, symbolised her passion for football and the dreams she carried.
In a heartfelt tribute, her family said:
“Poppy was sister to 7-year-old Edward. Edward worshipped the ground Poppy walked on… it was beautiful to see her coaching and supporting him with football.”
“Poppy touched so many lives. Her energy, character, spirit and passion for football was infectious and touched huge numbers of people.”
Police Investigation Ongoing
The inquest has now been formally suspended by the coroner pending the outcome of Cumbria Police’s investigation. Miss Gomersal described Poppy’s death as “tragic” and extended her condolences to the family.
Miss Taylor, speaking briefly outside the court, said:
“I am representing the family in relation to both coronial and civil proceedings, but at this stage, we know nothing further.”
The second child injured in the crash, an eight-year-old girl, was taken to hospital for treatment. Cumbria Police previously confirmed the incident is not believed to be a deliberate act.
Anyone with information about the crash is urged to contact Cumbria Police via 101, quoting incident reference 156 of 5 March.
