Family speak out after seven-year-old girl dies following tree collapse in Chalkwell Park
The seven-year-old girl who died has been named as Leonna Ruka by her family
Last updated 1st Jul 2025
The family of a seven-year-old girl who died after a tree partially collapsed in Chalkwell Park, Southend, have shared a statement describing their loss.
The incident happened shortly before 3pm on Saturday 28 June when a tree fell while many people were in the park. Several children were caught beneath the tree and taken to hospital. One child later died, a second child remains in critical condition, and three others suffered minor injuries.
The girl who died was Leonna Ruka, from Dagenham, visiting family in Southend. In a statement, her family said:
“It is with broken hearts and unimaginable pain that we share the devastating loss of our beloved daughter Leonna – our beautiful, bright, and loving little girl, taken from us far too soon.
“Leonna was more than just a child – she was a light in our lives and in the lives of everyone who had the joy of meeting her.
“She was an intelligent and curious soul, full of energy and creativity... She was funny, kind, and full of life – a shining star who brought happiness wherever she went.
“We will never stop wondering who she would have become, but we will forever carry who she was.
“We would like to take this moment to thank everyone who has supported us – our family, our friends, our community, and all those who stood with us in Southend and beyond.
“As we try to navigate this unimaginable pain, we kindly ask for privacy. This is a time of deep mourning and reflection for our family.
“Leonna will live forever in our hearts – in every laugh, every sunbeam, every act of kindness we see in the world.”
A six year old girl remains in hospital.
On Monday 30 June, emergency service staff and Southend Council officials laid flowers at the park in memory of the children and to pay their respects. Support continues for emergency staff involved in the incident.
Assistant Chief Constable Lucy Morris said:
“All of our hearts break for Leonna and her family. To lose a child in any circumstance is unthinkable, to lose a child in this terrible way defies all belief.
“We are all hoping for a positive outcome in relation to the little girl who remains in hospital. Her family continue to receive support and our thoughts are with her.
“The support we’ve received and the sentiment shared by the public over the past few days has been the only positive I can draw from this.
“The actions of those in the park who immediately did all they could to help are a continual reminder of the true spirit of the city of Southend.
“There is a full and independent police investigation underway. This will take time. We will update on the outcome of these enquiries as soon as we possibly can.
“Until then, I’d ask that the public remember how harmful potentially unsubstantiated commentary can be.”
The police have set up an online contact portal for any witnesses who have not yet come forward.