28th June 2025

Police have confirmed that a seven-year-old girl has sadly died after a large tree partially collapsed at a park in Essex.

The devastating incident happened at around 3pm this afternoon (Saturday, 28^th June), at Chalkwell Park in Southend.

Essex Police say that several children have been injured after being caught under the tree.

Two girls aged seven and six were taken to hospital, and the seven-year-old girl sadly passed away following the incident. The six-year-old girl is still in hospital and remains in a critical condition.

Three other children were also injured and received hospital treatment.

Chief Superintendent Leighton Hammett of Essex Police said:

“Families are facing unimaginable hardship this evening and all of our thoughts are with them at this time.

“I cannot begin to put into words how difficult today’s events have been, and continue to be, for them.

“It’s also not lost on me how traumatic it must have been for the members of the public who witnessed this awful incident.

“Across a matter of moments, many of them went from enjoying the warm summer weather to rushing to the aid of strangers without a second thought.

“They showed the best of Southend today and I’m sorry this update does not bring them more positive news.

“My officers, and our partners with the ambulance and fire service, did all they could to help the two injured children.

“Today’s loss is one they will all take personally.

“We will ensure support is in place for all of our emergency service responders who provided aid at the scene.”

Here at Emma's Diary, our thoughts are with all the families affected by today’s tragic incident, and we send our deepest condolences to the loved ones of the little girl who sadly passed away.