Smiling girl with pigtails.
Share this @internewscast.com

TRIBUTES have flooded in for a little girl who was killed by a falling tree in a park while visiting with her family.

Seven-year-old Leonna Ruka, from East London, was visiting Southend-on-Sea in Essex for the day.

Smiling girl with pigtails.
Seven-year-old Leonna Ruka, from East London
Fallen tree in a park, cordoned off by police.
The tree at Chalkwell Park, Southend on Sea, EssexCredit: Alamy
Floral tributes and stuffed animals left at a memorial.
Tributes and flowers left at the sceneCredit: Alamy

Essex Police scrambled to the scene on Saturday after the tree collapsed in popular Chalkwell Park, crushing a group of children.

A six-year-old girl, who was also caught under the tree as it fell, is still fighting for her life in hospital.

Three other children were also hospitalised with minor injuries.

Locals said the very old cedar tree had been propped up by metal supports for at least a decade and it was a “known danger”.

Leonna’s family have described her as “the light in their lives” in a touching tribute.

“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.

“We want to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to everyone who has supported us – our family, our friends, our community, and all who stood by us in Southend and beyond.

“Your generosity, your prayers, and your support have meant more to us than words can convey. In our darkest times, you reminded us that we are not alone.”

Moment iconic Sycamore Gap tree ‘chopped down by two pals on moronic mission’

The little girl had been rushed to hospital but tragically died.

Leonna and her family, like many others, flocked to the busy park that day to enjoy the sunny weather.

Devastated locals have posted on social media to share their condolences to her family.

One said: “All of Essex stands with you.”

Councillor James Courtenay said he believed the tree – understood to be one of the oldest in the park – had been supported by poles for years.

One witness said he would “never forget the screams” that rang out as the tree crashed down.

On Sunday morning, locals placed flowers, soft toys, and cards at the site of the tragedy, while officers were seen investigating behind a police cordon.

A cricketer for Old Brentwoods Cricket Club, was playing an away game against Westcliff at the time of the incident, had dashed to the scene and helped free the children.

The man, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Express: “Everyone just got their hands on it, and we managed to move it quite quick.

“I saw the little girl underneath the tree and straight away, I was like she’s going to be no older than my oldest girl.”

He added: “There was a lot of females watching and they were just crying. Even some men were crying, I’m not going to lie.”

‘TRAUMATISED’

Another witness told the Mirror two children were under a smaller branch, and “they were rescued easily”.

But the other two girls “were stuck under this massive tree”.

A local business owner told MailOnline the park was “absolutely heaving with families and kids” who will have been “traumatised”.

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.

“Everyone – from my officers and staff, to ambulance, fire and council colleagues, to the public of Southend and across the country – is struggling to come to terms with what happened on Saturday.

“We are all hoping for a positive outcome in relation to the little girl who remains in hospital.”

Cops thanked the public for their help over the last few days, commending the brave onlookers who jumped to help.

“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.

“I thank everyone for the overwhelming messages of support for the families impacted.”

A large tree in a park supported by a metal pole.
The tree had been supported by metal poles for some timeCredit: Mirrorpix
Fallen tree trunk behind a fence.
The massive tree is understood to be very oldCredit: Alamy
Floral tributes and stuffed toys left as a memorial.
Tributes left at the park over the weekendCredit: Alamy
Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Desperate Plea: Travis Decker ‘Sighting’ Ignored by Police for Weeks, Leaving Me Feeling Unsettled

A NURSE reported that she spent several weeks urging the police to…
Chicago crime: Dion Wallace speaks out after son killed in Logan Square stabbing, fire; Wendy Tolbert charged after 3 kids stabbed

Tragedy in Chicago: Father Dion Wallace Shares Loss After Son’s Death in Logan Square; Wendy Tolbert Faces Charges in Stabbing Incident Involving 3 Children

CHICAGO (WLS) — A Chicago father is speaking out after a tragedy…
Las Vegas security guard Kegia Mitchell sentenced for killing customer Thomas Martin over COVID-19 protocols

Las Vegas Security Officer Kegia Mitchell Sentenced for Fatal Incident Involving COVID-19 Protocols

A security guard from Las Vegas received a prison sentence ranging from…
Screengrab of the Eternity C bulker being attacked in the Red Sea.

Houthi Rebels Sink Two Cargo Ships and Kidnap Crew in Red Sea Amid Renewed Tensions, Despite Trump’s Previous Actions

HOUTHI rebels have sunk two giant cargo ships within days and kidnapped…
ABC News holds NAHJ reception at ABC7 Chicago amid 2025 National Association of Hispanic Journalists Conference and Expo

ABC News Hosts Reception in Chicago for Hispanic Journalists During 2025 NAHJ Conference and Expo

Journalists from across the nation have gathered in Chicago this week to…
Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron at a joint press conference.

Starmer and Macron Reveal Agreement to Send Back 50 Migrants Weekly from Boats to France

SIR Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron announced today a one-in-one-out arrangement to…
Silver stainless steel water bottle with black lid and handle.

Walmart Urgently Recalls 850,000 Water Bottles After ‘Ejecting’ Incident Leaves Two Blind

An urgent recall has been announced for approximately 850,000 stainless steel water…
Immigration operation at California cannabis farms leads to clash between federal agents and protesters

Federal Immigration Raid on California Cannabis Farms Sparks Confrontation with Protesters

On Thursday, demonstrators confronted federal officials during an immigration raid at a…
George Mason University faces investigation in Trump administration's anti-DEI crackdown

George Mason University Under Investigation Amidst Trump Administration’s Crackdown on DEI

WASHINGTON (AP) — On Thursday, the Trump administration initiated a civil rights…
Travis Decker, wanted for murder.

Investigation for ‘killer’ dad Travis Decker concludes at popular nature area; police question hiker for more information

AUTHORITIES have called off the Idaho manhunt for alleged killer dad Travis…
'High Potential' star Javicia Leslie teases a villain twist you won't see coming: "You'll never guess who it was." 

‘High Potential’ Star Javicia Leslie Hints at Unexpected Villain Plot Twist: “You’ll Be Surprised Who It Is.”

LOS ANGELES — The filming of Season 2 of “High Potential” on…
UN warns of millions of AIDS deaths after US funding cuts

UN Alerts of Potential Millions of AIDS Deaths Following US Funding Reductions

The U.S. had committed $4 billion for the worldwide HIV initiative aimed…