Tragic Death of Young Footballer as Electric BMW Crashes Onto Pitch
10-Year-Old Poppy Atkinson Killed in Shocking Pitch Crash
A 10-year-old girl was killed after an electric BMW smashed through fencing and ploughed onto a football pitch during training, an inquest has revealed.
Poppy Atkinson, a promising young football star from Kendal, Cumbria, suffered fatal head injuries on March 5, 2025, at Kendal Rugby Union Club. Emergency crews pronounced her dead at 5.12pm, following the horror crash that also injured another child.
BMW Ploughs into Pitch – Driver Arrested
The incident happened when a 40-year-old man from Lancaster lost control of his electric BMW. The car crashed through perimeter fencing and onto an all-weather pitch where children were training. Poppy was struck, and another eight-year-old girl was hurt and taken to hospital.
The driver was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, but later released as the investigation continues.
Acting coroner Kirsty Gomersal described the death as “tragic,” confirming Poppy died from head injuries. The inquest was briefly opened at Cockermouth Coroner’s Court but has since been suspended pending police inquiries.
Community Mourns Football Starlet with Manchester United Dream
Poppy, a shining star of Kendal United’s under-12s and a Cumbria county player, dreamed of playing professionally for Manchester United. Her family said she was “100 per cent determined” to make that dream a reality.
Hundreds lined the streets of Kendal for her funeral, wearing red in honour of her beloved Manchester United. Her coffin was decorated with artwork featuring a poppy field and Old Trafford’s “Theatre of Dreams,” symbolising her football passion.
“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.”
Investigation Ongoing—Police Seek Witnesses
Cumbria Police stress the crash is not believed to be deliberate and urge anyone with information to call 101 quoting incident reference 156 of March 5.
The family, represented by solicitor Emily Taylor, await further developments. Taylor told reporters, “I am representing the family in relation to both coronial and civil proceedings, but at this stage, we know nothing further.”
