A HEARTBROKEN family have paid tribute to a seven-year-old girl who tragically died following a tree collapsing in an Essex park.
Multiple emergency service workers, including two air ambulances, attended the incident in Chalkwell Park, Southend, at around 3pm on Saturday, with heroic residents attempting to lift the tree and free the five trapped children before firefighters and paramedics arrived.
Sadly, a seven-year-old girl died. She has now been named as Leonna Ruka, from Dagenham, who was visiting family in the area.
In a statement, Leonna’s 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. 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.
“She was funny, kind, and full of life – a shining star who brought happiness wherever she went and she met.
“From the moment she walked into a room, she would light it up.
“She had this rare gift of making everyone feel special and loved. There was something truly unique and unforgettable about her.
“Every person she met was left with only beautiful impressions and a warm feeling in their heart. She was the kind of girl who gave love without asking for anything in return.
“She was perfect – too perfect for a world that can be so cruel and unfair. Leonna had so many dreams – dreams that now remain unfinished.
“Our hearts ache knowing how much life she had ahead of her, how much joy she could have brought to this world.
“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.
“Your kindness, your prayers, and your presence have meant more than we could ever express. In our deepest sorrow, you reminded us that we are not alone.
“We are incredibly grateful for every candle lit, every flower placed, every tear shared in her memory. The outpouring of love for our daughter has brought us comfort in ways we never imagined possible.
“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.
“We need space to grieve, to remember our precious Leonna, and to begin the slow and painful process of healing.
“Leonna will live forever in our hearts – in every laugh, every sunbeam, every act of kindness we see in the world. We were so lucky to have had her, even if only for a short time.
“Thank you for holding her in your hearts.”
Another six-year-old girl was left fighting for her life following the tragedy. She remains in hospital in critical condition.
The three other children were further taken to Southend Hospital with minor injuries on Saturday afternoon.
There has been an outpouring of grief across the Southend community following the tragedy, with firefighters, police, paramedics, the MP and Southend Council leader laying floral tributes near the scene in a service led by the mayor of Southend on Monday morning.
A fundraiser launched by Your Southend has raised more than £30,000 for the funeral of the little girl who lost her life, as well as a possible memorial installation, ongoing emotional and practical support for bereaved family members and donations to the Air Ambulance charities that attended the incident.
Following donor suggestions, it is also now proposed that a portion of the funds be offered to the family of the critically injured six-year-old, once appropriate.
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