{"id":29682,"date":"2025-07-02T16:42:56","date_gmt":"2025-07-02T16:42:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/?p=29682"},"modified":"2025-07-02T16:42:56","modified_gmt":"2025-07-02T16:42:56","slug":"7-year-old-leonna-ruka-tragically-died-while-visiting-the-park-with-her-family","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/?p=29682","title":{"rendered":"7-Year-Old Leonna Ruka Tragically Died While Visiting the Park with Her Family"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36 ContentRenderer_paragraph-first___d_VF\">She had gone to the park to play, just like any other child, but within moments, laughter turned to screams, as the life of the young girl and others were tragically taken beneath a tree.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"adv\">\n<div class=\"Ad-Container AdvInTextBuilder_slot-wrapper___Oz3G AdvInTextBuilder_slot-wrapper-ondoho__VywPB\">\n<div class=\"AdvTitle_wrap__c0mSw AdvTitle_wrap-ondoho__iYr69\">\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">A sunny afternoon turned into a nightmare at Chalkwell Park in Southend, Essex, when a massive tree collapsed, killing 7-year-old Leonna Ruka and injuring four other children.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Embed_wrapper__UQbow\">\n<div class=\"EmbedFacebook_embed-facebook-container__vh6_v\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"fb-post fb_iframe_widget\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/photo.php?fbid=1171214155033998&amp;set=pb.100064362738168.-2207520000&amp;type=3&amp;mWidth=349.99566650390625&amp;mHeight=548&amp;dWidth=600.0000610351562&amp;dHeight=615\" data-testid=\"photo\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"\" title=\"fb:post Facebook Social Plugin\" src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/v14.0\/plugins\/post.php?app_id=493078077833106&amp;channel=https%3A%2F%2Fstaticxx.facebook.com%2Fx%2Fconnect%2Fxd_arbiter%2F%3Fversion%3D46%23cb%3Df8bec8ae2ae89e531%26domain%3Dondoho.com%26is_canvas%3Dfalse%26origin%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fondoho.com%252Ff9f2a393e99b28eec%26relation%3Dparent.parent&amp;container_width=600&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fphoto.php%3Ffbid%3D1171214155033998%26set%3Dpb.100064362738168.-2207520000%26type%3D3%26mWidth%3D349.99566650390625%26mHeight%3D548%26dWidth%3D600.0000610351562%26dHeight%3D615&amp;locale=en_US&amp;sdk=joey\" name=\"f1971d709b8489850\" width=\"1000px\" height=\"1000px\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-testid=\"fb:post Facebook Social Plugin\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"><a class=\"Link_link__PUK08 Link_link__2Di7A\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk\/news\/article-14857151\/never-forget-screams-Brits-sunny-weather-Essex-park-reveal-moment-seven-year-old-girl-killed-four-children-injured-tree-branch-crashing.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk\/news\/article-14857151\/never-forget-screams-Brits-sunny-weather-Essex-park-reveal-moment-seven-year-old-girl-killed-four-children-injured-tree-branch-crashing.html\">The tragic incident<\/a>\u00a0occurred around 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 28, 2025, as families filled the popular park. Among the injured is a six-year-old girl who remains in critical condition in the hospital, while the three other children were treated for minor injuries, the Daily Mail Online reports.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">Essex Police also told the Daily Mail Online that many\u00a0<a class=\"Link_link__PUK08 Link_link__2Di7A\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk\/news\/article-14857151\/never-forget-screams-Brits-sunny-weather-Essex-park-reveal-moment-seven-year-old-girl-killed-four-children-injured-tree-branch-crashing.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk\/news\/article-14857151\/never-forget-screams-Brits-sunny-weather-Essex-park-reveal-moment-seven-year-old-girl-killed-four-children-injured-tree-branch-crashing.html\">bystanders rushed to help<\/a>\u00a0immediately after the tree fell, showing immense bravery in a harrowing situation. Emergency services rushed to the scene, with six ambulances, two air ambulances, and fire crews responding to what police quickly declared a serious incident.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"adv\">\n<div class=\"Ad-Container AdvInTextBuilder_slot-wrapper___Oz3G AdvInTextBuilder_slot-wrapper-ondoho__VywPB\">\n<div class=\"AdvTitle_wrap__c0mSw AdvTitle_wrap-ondoho__iYr69\"><span class=\"AdvTitle_text__UoNsa\">Advertisement<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"Ad-Container AdvSlots_adv-square-wrap__va0pf AdvSlots_adv-square-wrap__xHoym\">\n<div class=\"AdvSlots_adv-square__246sC\" data-slot-type=\"1\" data-position=\"in_article_2\" data-code=\"\/23282174040\/d_ondoho_com_intext_02\">\n<div id=\"in_article_2\" class=\"AdvSlots_slot__YAMh2\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Embed_wrapper__UQbow\">\n<div class=\"EmbedFacebook_embed-facebook-container__vh6_v\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"fb-post fb_iframe_widget\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/photo.php?fbid=1168882371933843&amp;set=pb.100064362738168.-2207520000&amp;type=3&amp;mWidth=349.99566650390625&amp;mHeight=505&amp;dWidth=600.0000610351562&amp;dHeight=639\" data-testid=\"photo\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"\" title=\"fb:post Facebook Social Plugin\" src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/v14.0\/plugins\/post.php?app_id=493078077833106&amp;channel=https%3A%2F%2Fstaticxx.facebook.com%2Fx%2Fconnect%2Fxd_arbiter%2F%3Fversion%3D46%23cb%3Df655a549f278dc004%26domain%3Dondoho.com%26is_canvas%3Dfalse%26origin%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fondoho.com%252Ff9f2a393e99b28eec%26relation%3Dparent.parent&amp;container_width=600&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fphoto.php%3Ffbid%3D1168882371933843%26set%3Dpb.100064362738168.-2207520000%26type%3D3%26mWidth%3D349.99566650390625%26mHeight%3D505%26dWidth%3D600.0000610351562%26dHeight%3D639&amp;locale=en_US&amp;sdk=joey\" name=\"f609c3c73017beab7\" width=\"1000px\" height=\"1000px\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-testid=\"fb:post Facebook Social Plugin\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">Witnesses described chaotic scenes of parents screaming, people rushing to help, and children being pulled from the fallen branches. Unfortunately, Leonna was pronounced dead at the scene. A witness\u00a0<a class=\"Link_link__PUK08 Link_link__2Di7A\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk\/news\/article-14857151\/never-forget-screams-Brits-sunny-weather-Essex-park-reveal-moment-seven-year-old-girl-killed-four-children-injured-tree-branch-crashing.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk\/news\/article-14857151\/never-forget-screams-Brits-sunny-weather-Essex-park-reveal-moment-seven-year-old-girl-killed-four-children-injured-tree-branch-crashing.html\">stated<\/a>\u00a0that he would never &#8220;never forget the screams&#8221; of the children involved, while he described seeing a tree &#8220;split and fall to the ground.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">Authorities also believe a large cedar tree near the park&#8217;s manor house, Chalkwell Hall, suddenly gave way.\u00a0<a class=\"Link_link__PUK08 Link_link__2Di7A\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk\/news\/article-14857151\/never-forget-screams-Brits-sunny-weather-Essex-park-reveal-moment-seven-year-old-girl-killed-four-children-injured-tree-branch-crashing.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk\/news\/article-14857151\/never-forget-screams-Brits-sunny-weather-Essex-park-reveal-moment-seven-year-old-girl-killed-four-children-injured-tree-branch-crashing.html\">Witnesses reported the tree<\/a>\u00a0appeared to split, sending massive branches crashing down.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"adv\">\n<div class=\"Ad-Container AdvInTextBuilder_slot-wrapper___Oz3G AdvInTextBuilder_slot-wrapper-ondoho__VywPB\">\n<div class=\"AdvTitle_wrap__c0mSw AdvTitle_wrap-ondoho__iYr69\"><span class=\"AdvTitle_text__UoNsa\">Advertisement<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"Ad-Container AdvSlots_adv-square-wrap__va0pf AdvSlots_adv-square-wrap__xHoym\">\n<div class=\"AdvSlots_adv-square__246sC\" data-slot-type=\"1\" data-position=\"in_article_3\" data-code=\"\/23282174040\/d_ondoho_com_intext_03\">\n<div id=\"in_article_3\" class=\"AdvSlots_slot__YAMh2\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\">\n<div class=\"Image_container__oHMMQ\">\n<div class=\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/imgproxy.ondoho.com\/3CGW048uFcX40GL8egNDsYtrKEtChUCwoAWOk4NZcHU\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vN2U2NWRjNThjNWQ5ZmNhMDU1MzM0MzA5ZTA3NDY3Yjc3OGM3MTA5ZTFlY2Y3NWQ3ZjkwNzg1ZjA4Njg5MzVmOS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MjQwMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTYwMg.jpg 375w,https:\/\/imgproxy.ondoho.com\/HJTfEGs0IEEhpA2lgfIBuw-1l4zhRZoKBwFk2kT-LRQ\/rs:fill:576:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vN2U2NWRjNThjNWQ5ZmNhMDU1MzM0MzA5ZTA3NDY3Yjc3OGM3MTA5ZTFlY2Y3NWQ3ZjkwNzg1ZjA4Njg5MzVmOS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MjQwMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTYwMg.jpg 576w,https:\/\/imgproxy.ondoho.com\/xZlCSMRZGWDnJZnWuS0J-_RHQSPghe1CVYgnposPsPA\/rs:fill:768:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vN2U2NWRjNThjNWQ5ZmNhMDU1MzM0MzA5ZTA3NDY3Yjc3OGM3MTA5ZTFlY2Y3NWQ3ZjkwNzg1ZjA4Njg5MzVmOS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MjQwMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTYwMg.jpg 768w,https:\/\/imgproxy.ondoho.com\/4CMb5yoRkdyIrRejD96QU2UyU9Mod2Cj7nIGhc6xsM4\/rs:fill:992:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vN2U2NWRjNThjNWQ5ZmNhMDU1MzM0MzA5ZTA3NDY3Yjc3OGM3MTA5ZTFlY2Y3NWQ3ZjkwNzg1ZjA4Njg5MzVmOS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MjQwMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTYwMg.jpg 992w,https:\/\/imgproxy.ondoho.com\/vGMTfB6GLYjNPelGkw_O2EIOs_MSIvqsjfn8a5tBjfc\/rs:fill:1200:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vN2U2NWRjNThjNWQ5ZmNhMDU1MzM0MzA5ZTA3NDY3Yjc3OGM3MTA5ZTFlY2Y3NWQ3ZjkwNzg1ZjA4Njg5MzVmOS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MjQwMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTYwMg.jpg 1200w\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 835px) 100vw, (max-width: 1279px) 830px, 830px\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image_image__11E9V Image_post-image__qnTn0\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ondoho.com\/7e65dc58c5d9fca055334309e07467b778c7109e1ecf75d7f90785f0868935f9.jpg\" alt=\"A stock photo of a tree in a park | Source: Getty Images\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1602\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"Image_title__T6_we\" data-testid=\"image-source\">A stock photo of a tree in a park | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">One man and three other men reportedly helped lift a huge branch off a trapped child. Police and city officials confirmed an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the collapse.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">&#8220;It&#8217;s absolutely dreadful. The park was absolutely heaving with families and kids this afternoon. People are taking gazebos and they&#8217;re having picnics, there&#8217;s [sic] two playgrounds there and it was just full of people,&#8221;\u00a0<a class=\"Link_link__PUK08 Link_link__2Di7A\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk\/news\/article-14857151\/never-forget-screams-Brits-sunny-weather-Essex-park-reveal-moment-seven-year-old-girl-killed-four-children-injured-tree-branch-crashing.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk\/news\/article-14857151\/never-forget-screams-Brits-sunny-weather-Essex-park-reveal-moment-seven-year-old-girl-killed-four-children-injured-tree-branch-crashing.html\">said<\/a>\u00a0Adam Ramet, a local business owner who spoke exclusively to the Daily Mail Online.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\">\n<div class=\"Image_container__oHMMQ\">\n<div class=\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/imgproxy.ondoho.com\/sa-CwLaj0Z7usskf1dAtlkUYjxt8YZ4wHBWthpG6DvQ\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMmRjODQyNGY4NTA3NGU1NjNjN2VhZDFlZGMzYjU4OWFkODIzODM4N2EyMGE1M2U1MmNhZThhMjY5NDYyNmU0OS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MjQwMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTYwMA.jpg 375w,https:\/\/imgproxy.ondoho.com\/WV68Dk65zLaz30TUYmS0_azjC1hIvUBpa1i9f5XOx8U\/rs:fill:576:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMmRjODQyNGY4NTA3NGU1NjNjN2VhZDFlZGMzYjU4OWFkODIzODM4N2EyMGE1M2U1MmNhZThhMjY5NDYyNmU0OS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MjQwMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTYwMA.jpg 576w,https:\/\/imgproxy.ondoho.com\/ccfp8ORj8wm71Fl8MCeWM-JM5Jm5EbjxWnjw7kFYyg0\/rs:fill:768:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMmRjODQyNGY4NTA3NGU1NjNjN2VhZDFlZGMzYjU4OWFkODIzODM4N2EyMGE1M2U1MmNhZThhMjY5NDYyNmU0OS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MjQwMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTYwMA.jpg 768w,https:\/\/imgproxy.ondoho.com\/EJraLFrF5xvzDqwDCMn47nBD0_nZ7brEzskJjeOQZtc\/rs:fill:992:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMmRjODQyNGY4NTA3NGU1NjNjN2VhZDFlZGMzYjU4OWFkODIzODM4N2EyMGE1M2U1MmNhZThhMjY5NDYyNmU0OS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MjQwMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTYwMA.jpg 992w,https:\/\/imgproxy.ondoho.com\/gYiQX4wgtGmZfI1Ijkiqrd5AZnMS2S1Lq-CZD8-ijrU\/rs:fill:1200:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMmRjODQyNGY4NTA3NGU1NjNjN2VhZDFlZGMzYjU4OWFkODIzODM4N2EyMGE1M2U1MmNhZThhMjY5NDYyNmU0OS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MjQwMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTYwMA.jpg 1200w\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 835px) 100vw, (max-width: 1279px) 830px, 830px\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image_image__11E9V Image_post-image__qnTn0\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ondoho.com\/2dc8424f85074e563c7ead1edc3b589ad8238387a20a53e52cae8a2694626e49.jpg\" alt=\"A photo of a man talking about a tragic incident to the news | Source: Getty Images\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1600\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"Image_title__T6_we\" data-testid=\"image-source\">A photo of a man talking about a tragic incident to the news | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"adv\">\n<div class=\"Ad-Container AdvInTextBuilder_slot-wrapper___Oz3G AdvInTextBuilder_slot-wrapper-ondoho__VywPB\">\n<div class=\"AdvTitle_wrap__c0mSw AdvTitle_wrap-ondoho__iYr69\"><span class=\"AdvTitle_text__UoNsa\">Advertisement<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"Ad-Container AdvSlots_adv-square-wrap__va0pf AdvSlots_adv-square-wrap__xHoym\">\n<div class=\"AdvSlots_adv-square__246sC\" data-slot-type=\"1\" data-position=\"in_article_4\" data-code=\"\/23282174040\/d_ondoho_com_intext_04\">\n<div id=\"in_article_4\" class=\"AdvSlots_slot__YAMh2\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">Chief Superintendent Leighton Hammett\u00a0<a class=\"Link_link__PUK08 Link_link__2Di7A\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk\/news\/article-14857151\/never-forget-screams-Brits-sunny-weather-Essex-park-reveal-moment-seven-year-old-girl-killed-four-children-injured-tree-branch-crashing.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk\/news\/article-14857151\/never-forget-screams-Brits-sunny-weather-Essex-park-reveal-moment-seven-year-old-girl-killed-four-children-injured-tree-branch-crashing.html\">acknowledged<\/a>\u00a0the emotional toll the incident took on everyone involved. &#8220;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&#8217;s events have been, and continue to be, for them [sic].&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">&#8220;It&#8217;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,&#8221; he\u00a0<a class=\"Link_link__PUK08 Link_link__2Di7A\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk\/news\/article-14857151\/never-forget-screams-Brits-sunny-weather-Essex-park-reveal-moment-seven-year-old-girl-killed-four-children-injured-tree-branch-crashing.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk\/news\/article-14857151\/never-forget-screams-Brits-sunny-weather-Essex-park-reveal-moment-seven-year-old-girl-killed-four-children-injured-tree-branch-crashing.html\">continued<\/a>, describing the love and humanity shown by the public.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g Image_wrapper-vertical__PwZAR\">\n<div class=\"Image_container__oHMMQ\">\n<div class=\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/imgproxy.ondoho.com\/XY7SHk7GHrP4T13Ghzdw3KAYxALw6UJHqFU39xPh7Lw\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMGJkZDQ5YzgwNGFjZDNmMzZiZWUxMzliZWFmZjgxZDNjYmVhZTc4N2MyNmFiYTkyNGE4NjA1YzBmNGIyYmQwNy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9NTg2JmhlaWdodD04OTc.jpg 375w,https:\/\/imgproxy.ondoho.com\/25ThfXLJCA73khud4dMI0FbIHffrLt9cClIPpxsWcvw\/rs:fill:576:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMGJkZDQ5YzgwNGFjZDNmMzZiZWUxMzliZWFmZjgxZDNjYmVhZTc4N2MyNmFiYTkyNGE4NjA1YzBmNGIyYmQwNy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9NTg2JmhlaWdodD04OTc.jpg 576w,https:\/\/imgproxy.ondoho.com\/qaD1VZN3xvlWjdqGWN-XEBjBVWXkdPb8pi5nACeWdOk\/rs:fill:768:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMGJkZDQ5YzgwNGFjZDNmMzZiZWUxMzliZWFmZjgxZDNjYmVhZTc4N2MyNmFiYTkyNGE4NjA1YzBmNGIyYmQwNy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9NTg2JmhlaWdodD04OTc.jpg 768w,https:\/\/imgproxy.ondoho.com\/x2sdKhjJptb3HOqqKsSlmDIyxuN9_p8PT_I5TqQWuSE\/rs:fill:992:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMGJkZDQ5YzgwNGFjZDNmMzZiZWUxMzliZWFmZjgxZDNjYmVhZTc4N2MyNmFiYTkyNGE4NjA1YzBmNGIyYmQwNy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9NTg2JmhlaWdodD04OTc.jpg 992w,https:\/\/imgproxy.ondoho.com\/_NLMaZFugM7rneqxmPMPWG8ktClL84OdGaH0s3Kep7w\/rs:fill:1200:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMGJkZDQ5YzgwNGFjZDNmMzZiZWUxMzliZWFmZjgxZDNjYmVhZTc4N2MyNmFiYTkyNGE4NjA1YzBmNGIyYmQwNy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9NTg2JmhlaWdodD04OTc.jpg 1200w\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 835px) 97.9933110367893vw, (max-width: 1279px) 581px, 581px\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image_image__11E9V Image_post-image__qnTn0\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ondoho.com\/0bdd49c804acd3f36bee139beaff81d3cbeae787c26aba924a8605c0f4b2bd07.png\" alt=\"Chief Superintendent Leighton Hammett giving a statement after incidents of disorder and violence in Essex, from a video post dated July 31, 2024 | Source: Facebook\/EssexLive\" width=\"586\" height=\"897\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"Image_title__T6_we\" data-testid=\"image-source\">Chief Superintendent Leighton Hammett giving a statement after incidents of disorder and violence in Essex, from a video post dated July 31, 2024 | Source: Facebook\/EssexLive<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">Southend West and Leigh MP, David Burton-Sampson,\u00a0<a class=\"Link_link__PUK08 Link_link__2Di7A\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk\/news\/article-14857151\/never-forget-screams-Brits-sunny-weather-Essex-park-reveal-moment-seven-year-old-girl-killed-four-children-injured-tree-branch-crashing.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk\/news\/article-14857151\/never-forget-screams-Brits-sunny-weather-Essex-park-reveal-moment-seven-year-old-girl-killed-four-children-injured-tree-branch-crashing.html\">said<\/a>, &#8220;The news of the sad death of one of the children involved in the incident at Chalkwell Park today is truly devastating.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"adv\">\n<div class=\"Ad-Container AdvInTextBuilder_slot-wrapper___Oz3G AdvInTextBuilder_slot-wrapper-ondoho__VywPB\">\n<div class=\"AdvTitle_wrap__c0mSw AdvTitle_wrap-ondoho__iYr69\"><span class=\"AdvTitle_text__UoNsa\">Advertisement<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"Ad-Container AdvSlots_adv-square-wrap__va0pf AdvSlots_adv-square-wrap__xHoym\">\n<div class=\"AdvSlots_adv-square__246sC\" data-slot-type=\"1\" data-position=\"in_article_1\" data-code=\"\/23282174040\/d_ondoho_com_intext_01\">\n<div id=\"in_article_1-0\" class=\"AdvSlots_slot__YAMh2\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">&#8220;I am sure I reflect the thoughts of all our residents here in Southend in sending my deepest condolences to the child\u2019s family and friends. My thoughts are also with the other children injured and I wish them a full and speedy recovery [sic],&#8221; he\u00a0<a class=\"Link_link__PUK08 Link_link__2Di7A\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk\/news\/article-14857151\/never-forget-screams-Brits-sunny-weather-Essex-park-reveal-moment-seven-year-old-girl-killed-four-children-injured-tree-branch-crashing.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk\/news\/article-14857151\/never-forget-screams-Brits-sunny-weather-Essex-park-reveal-moment-seven-year-old-girl-killed-four-children-injured-tree-branch-crashing.html\">continued<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Embed_wrapper__UQbow\">\n<div class=\"EmbedFacebook_embed-facebook-container__vh6_v\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"fb-post fb_iframe_widget\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/photo.php?fbid=1059837336247443&amp;set=pb.100066635597845.-2207520000&amp;type=3&amp;mWidth=349.99566650390625&amp;mHeight=741&amp;dWidth=600.0000610351562&amp;dHeight=741\" data-testid=\"photo\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"\" title=\"fb:post Facebook Social Plugin\" src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/v14.0\/plugins\/post.php?app_id=493078077833106&amp;channel=https%3A%2F%2Fstaticxx.facebook.com%2Fx%2Fconnect%2Fxd_arbiter%2F%3Fversion%3D46%23cb%3Df0518e1b281decd1a%26domain%3Dondoho.com%26is_canvas%3Dfalse%26origin%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fondoho.com%252Ff9f2a393e99b28eec%26relation%3Dparent.parent&amp;container_width=600&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fphoto.php%3Ffbid%3D1059837336247443%26set%3Dpb.100066635597845.-2207520000%26type%3D3%26mWidth%3D349.99566650390625%26mHeight%3D741%26dWidth%3D600.0000610351562%26dHeight%3D741&amp;locale=en_US&amp;sdk=joey\" name=\"fa6ed4abbb77699bb\" width=\"1000px\" height=\"1000px\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-testid=\"fb:post Facebook Social Plugin\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"><a class=\"Link_link__PUK08 Link_link__2Di7A\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk\/news\/article-14857151\/never-forget-screams-Brits-sunny-weather-Essex-park-reveal-moment-seven-year-old-girl-killed-four-children-injured-tree-branch-crashing.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk\/news\/article-14857151\/never-forget-screams-Brits-sunny-weather-Essex-park-reveal-moment-seven-year-old-girl-killed-four-children-injured-tree-branch-crashing.html\">In the aftermath<\/a>, large sections of the park have been cordoned off, and investigators continue to examine the site. A public information portal is expected to launch soon for witnesses or those seeking updates.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">Meanwhile, the community has transformed the area near the fallen tree\u00a0<a class=\"Link_link__PUK08 Link_link__2Di7A\" href=\"https:\/\/web.facebook.com\/YourSouthend\/posts\/pfbid02zaMqe5uEJZGb6QYZkZciT31EySTwvonLXdw6EWDisDzfHhcCpj5FgXNeP1FtBMQ6l?rdid=h5FlSUHd4xXIMFS8#\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/web.facebook.com\/YourSouthend\/posts\/pfbid02zaMqe5uEJZGb6QYZkZciT31EySTwvonLXdw6EWDisDzfHhcCpj5FgXNeP1FtBMQ6l?rdid=h5FlSUHd4xXIMFS8#\">into a growing memorial<\/a>. Many bouquets, cuddly toys, and heartfelt letters now lay at the scene of the tragedy. Photos shared by local photographer Aaron Chesham capture the raw emotion and support pouring in from residents.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"adv\">\n<div class=\"Ad-Container AdvInTextBuilder_slot-wrapper___Oz3G AdvInTextBuilder_slot-wrapper-ondoho__VywPB\">\n<div class=\"AdvTitle_wrap__c0mSw AdvTitle_wrap-ondoho__iYr69\"><span class=\"AdvTitle_text__UoNsa\">Advertisement<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"Ad-Container AdvSlots_adv-square-wrap__va0pf AdvSlots_adv-square-wrap__xHoym\">\n<div class=\"AdvSlots_adv-square__246sC\" data-slot-type=\"1\" data-position=\"in_article_2\" data-code=\"\/23282174040\/d_ondoho_com_intext_02\">\n<div id=\"in_article_2-1\" class=\"AdvSlots_slot__YAMh2\">\n<div id=\"google_ads_iframe_\/23282174040\/d_ondoho_com_intext_02_1__container__\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Embed_wrapper__UQbow\">\n<div class=\"EmbedFacebook_embed-facebook-container__vh6_v\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"fb-post fb_iframe_widget\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/YourSouthend\/posts\/pfbid02zaMqe5uEJZGb6QYZkZciT31EySTwvonLXdw6EWDisDzfHhcCpj5FgXNeP1FtBMQ6l?rdid=h5FlSUHd4xXIMFS8&amp;mWidth=349.99566650390625&amp;mHeight=644&amp;dWidth=600.0000610351562&amp;dHeight=835#\" data-testid=\"post\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"\" title=\"fb:post Facebook Social Plugin\" src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/v14.0\/plugins\/post.php?app_id=493078077833106&amp;channel=https%3A%2F%2Fstaticxx.facebook.com%2Fx%2Fconnect%2Fxd_arbiter%2F%3Fversion%3D46%23cb%3Dfa1113fca8f5d40f0%26domain%3Dondoho.com%26is_canvas%3Dfalse%26origin%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fondoho.com%252Ff9f2a393e99b28eec%26relation%3Dparent.parent&amp;container_width=600&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FYourSouthend%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02zaMqe5uEJZGb6QYZkZciT31EySTwvonLXdw6EWDisDzfHhcCpj5FgXNeP1FtBMQ6l%3Frdid%3Dh5FlSUHd4xXIMFS8%26mWidth%3D349.99566650390625%26mHeight%3D644%26dWidth%3D600.0000610351562%26dHeight%3D835%23&amp;locale=en_US&amp;sdk=joey\" name=\"f552ea86fe183af26\" width=\"1000px\" height=\"1000px\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-testid=\"fb:post Facebook Social Plugin\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">Locals have not only gathered at the site to grieve but have also been contributing to a fundraiser in Leonna&#8217;s memory, rallying around the affected families with messages of love and solidarity.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\">\n<div class=\"Image_container__oHMMQ\">\n<div class=\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/imgproxy.ondoho.com\/GEXNEo3rgGVcJKjXD4LytRNNci8ge3ZjRwmAZ7y7gII\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYTNhOWMzZWI4NTA4NzZiNWIyMmYxNzNlN2QxYTlmZWY3YTMxMjU1OGFiMjhhOGE5M2MxNDA3M2FjYWRhNGNkOC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9OTQzJmhlaWdodD01Mjg.jpg 375w,https:\/\/imgproxy.ondoho.com\/FKfXaltOtUwcqpEQpgSplhz8uwCqfR37xdIlsjA6lAU\/rs:fill:576:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYTNhOWMzZWI4NTA4NzZiNWIyMmYxNzNlN2QxYTlmZWY3YTMxMjU1OGFiMjhhOGE5M2MxNDA3M2FjYWRhNGNkOC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9OTQzJmhlaWdodD01Mjg.jpg 576w,https:\/\/imgproxy.ondoho.com\/5SsSPK75hJXu0pW6kCiUOx6D6g2nPYz3bKVKirqUx3w\/rs:fill:768:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYTNhOWMzZWI4NTA4NzZiNWIyMmYxNzNlN2QxYTlmZWY3YTMxMjU1OGFiMjhhOGE5M2MxNDA3M2FjYWRhNGNkOC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9OTQzJmhlaWdodD01Mjg.jpg 768w,https:\/\/imgproxy.ondoho.com\/Y0kW7ssErYaWEp-QFSae_PR_cIJn7ucI5hqCTOyo0so\/rs:fill:992:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYTNhOWMzZWI4NTA4NzZiNWIyMmYxNzNlN2QxYTlmZWY3YTMxMjU1OGFiMjhhOGE5M2MxNDA3M2FjYWRhNGNkOC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9OTQzJmhlaWdodD01Mjg.jpg 992w,https:\/\/imgproxy.ondoho.com\/T8b4vBHFjQrEroyBn8_7Rq1uZEnQ4sFf6Gbl7VH7BH0\/rs:fill:1200:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYTNhOWMzZWI4NTA4NzZiNWIyMmYxNzNlN2QxYTlmZWY3YTMxMjU1OGFiMjhhOGE5M2MxNDA3M2FjYWRhNGNkOC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9OTQzJmhlaWdodD01Mjg.jpg 1200w\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 835px) 100vw, (max-width: 1279px) 830px, 830px\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image_image__11E9V Image_post-image__qnTn0\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ondoho.com\/a3a9c3eb850876b5b22f173e7d1a9fef7a312558ab28a8a93c14073acada4cd8.png\" alt=\"Many cuddly toys and letters are placed at the place the tree used to be, from a video post dated July 1, 2025 | Source: Facebook\/YourSouthend\" width=\"943\" height=\"528\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"Image_title__T6_we\" data-testid=\"image-source\">Many cuddly toys and letters are placed at the place the tree used to be, from a video post dated July 1, 2025 | Source: Facebook\/YourSouthend<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">Visitors to the park over the weekend\u00a0<a class=\"Link_link__PUK08 Link_link__2Di7A\" href=\"https:\/\/web.facebook.com\/watch\/?v=3840427726217925&amp;_rdc=1&amp;_rdr#\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/web.facebook.com\/watch\/?v=3840427726217925&amp;_rdc=1&amp;_rdr#\">described a touching moment<\/a>. A red admiral butterfly landed softly on one of the tribute cards and didn&#8217;t fly away. The butterfly, often seen in folklore as a spiritual messenger, brought quiet comfort to those present.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Embed_wrapper__UQbow\">\n<div class=\"EmbedFacebook_embed-facebook-container__vh6_v\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"fb-video fb_iframe_widget fb_iframe_widget_fluid_desktop\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/watch\/?v=3840427726217925&amp;_rdc=1&amp;_rdr=&amp;mWidth=349.99566650390625&amp;mHeight=625&amp;dWidth=600.0000610351562&amp;dHeight=767#\" data-testid=\"video\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"\" title=\"fb:video Facebook Social Plugin\" src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/v14.0\/plugins\/video.php?app_id=493078077833106&amp;channel=https%3A%2F%2Fstaticxx.facebook.com%2Fx%2Fconnect%2Fxd_arbiter%2F%3Fversion%3D46%23cb%3Df7f87c41adb54677e%26domain%3Dondoho.com%26is_canvas%3Dfalse%26origin%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fondoho.com%252Ff9f2a393e99b28eec%26relation%3Dparent.parent&amp;container_width=600&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fwatch%2F%3Fv%3D3840427726217925%26_rdc%3D1%26_rdr%3D%26mWidth%3D349.99566650390625%26mHeight%3D625%26dWidth%3D600.0000610351562%26dHeight%3D767%23&amp;locale=en_US&amp;sdk=joey\" name=\"f756a6e0a86b823c3\" width=\"1000px\" height=\"1000px\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-testid=\"fb:video Facebook Social Plugin\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">The loss of Leonna has left a painful mark on the community, but through acts of kindness, shared grief, and symbols of hope, Southend is finding a way to honor her memory.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp; &nbsp; She had gone to the park to play, just like any other child, but within moments, laughter turned to screams, as the life of the young girl and &hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":29683,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-29682","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29682","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=29682"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29682\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":29684,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29682\/revisions\/29684"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/29683"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=29682"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=29682"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=29682"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}