Girl, 7, killed in Southend park tree collapse named and pictured for first time

A seven-year-old girl who died when a tree collapsed in a park in Southend-on-Sea, in Essex, on Saturday has been named by police as Leonna Ruka. Leonna Ruka's family have said she will "live forever in our hearts", and described her as "the light in their lives". The family, from Dagenham, east London, was visiting Chalkwell Park on Saturday, June 28 when the tree collapsed, killing Leonna, while a six-year-old girl remains in a critical condition in hospital, and three other children suffered minor injuries.

In a statement, Leonna's family said: "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."

The family added: "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."

Leonna was enjoying a warm summer afternoon at the park with her family when the tragic accident occurred just before 3pm.

Emergency services, including police, fire, and ambulance crews, rushed to the scene alongside members of the public who quickly helped those affected. Despite being rapidly taken to hospital, Leonna passed away.

Lucy Morris, Essex Police Assistant Chief Constable, 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.

"There is a full and independent police investigation under way. 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.

"There will be a time and a place for the facts around what led to this incident to be explored in a public forum. Our investigation is still at a relatively early stage and, as desperately as people want answers, I'd please urge patience."

On Monday, June 30, emergency services representatives and Southend Council officials gathered at Chalkwell Park to lay flowers, pay their respects, and hold a moment of reflection.