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A young girl who died after a tree partially collapsed in a Southend park has been formally named as Leonna Ruka, aged seven, from Dagenham, east London.
Leonna was one of several children caught beneath the fallen tree at Chalkwell Park shortly before 3pm on Saturday (June 28). Despite being rushed to hospital, she later died from her injuries.
Her devastated family issued a heartfelt tribute, describing her as “a light in our lives.”
“Leonna was more than just a child – she was an intelligent and curious soul, full of energy and creativity. A little girl who was always exploring, always asking questions, always dreaming. She had a heart full of love and a mind full of endless ideas,” the family said.
Scene of Desperation
According to eyewitnesses, up to 50 people rushed to help free the children trapped under the tree, frantically trying to lift it before emergency services arrived.
Essex Police confirmed that a second girl, aged six, remains in hospital in critical condition. Three other children sustained minor injuries.
Investigation Underway
The force is now investigating the circumstances surrounding the tree collapse, with forensic teams and council officials assessing the scene.
A spokesperson for Essex Police said:
“This is a deeply tragic incident and our thoughts are with Leonna’s family and all those affected. We are working to understand exactly how this happened.”
📞 Witnesses or those with relevant footage are asked to contact Essex Police via 101 quoting incident 739 of 28 June, or report online at essex.police.uk.
Tributes have begun to appear at Chalkwell Park, where flowers, teddy bears, and messages of condolence are being left near the tree.
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