Southend continues to be in mourning after a devastating incident in Chalkwell Park which left one young girl dead and another critically injured.
On Saturday 28 June, what should have been a joyful summer afternoon turned to tragedy when a large, ageing tree near the rose garden in Chalkwell Park, Southend-on-Sea, suddenly collapsed, striking a group of children who were below it. The tree, located close to Chalkwell Hall, had been supported by metal props for many years.
Members of the public, including local cricketers and families enjoying the park, rushed over to help in a moment of spontaneous community bravery. Around 40 to 50 men worked together to lift the heavy tree branches off the trapped children.
Emergency services, including two Air Ambulances with doctors onboard, paramedics, specialist firefighter rescue teams, and police officers were all quickly sent to the scene. They worked under immense pressure to treat the injured children and rush them to hospital.
Tragically, a seven-year-old girl died from her injuries. A six-year-old girl remains in a critical condition in hospital.
A parent who witnessed the collapse said: “I was having a picnic with my 8-year-old near the tree when it happened. The scream of mothers shouting to save their children is something I will never forget. I’m so heartbroken for them.”
Another witness, Bradley Stercz, who lives next to the park, commented:
“We haven’t even had one hour without thinking about this tragedy. I can’t even begin to imagine the pain the little girl’s family is going through. I hope she gets the best possible and beautiful send-off.”
The Southend community has rallied in grief and compassion. A GoFundMe fundraiser launched in the hours after the incident has now raised over £30,000.
In response to the generosity of people donating, a relative of the family told Your Southend: “We appreciate the outpouring of support from the community. Naturally, the family is deeply distraught. Thank you very much for the kindness you have shown.”
Funds will be offered to the family when appropriate to help cover things such as:
- Funeral and related family expenses
- A possible memorial installation
- Ongoing emotional and practical support for bereaved family members
- 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.
All donations will remain securely held within the GoFundMe account until the families are ready to decide how best to use them.
The grieving family of the 7-year-old girl will be contacted through appropriate channels in due course, when the time is right.
Councillor Nigel Folkard, Mayor of Southend, said: “I am heartbroken by the tragic loss of a young life following the incident in Chalkwell Park. As both Mayor and a Chalkwell councillor, my thoughts are with the child’s family, friends, and all those affected. I ask our community to come together in support and compassion during this incredibly difficult time.”
Chalkwell Park remains open to the public, but the area around the fallen tree has been fenced off for safety. A clearly marked space has been set up for tributes, and many bouquets of flowers, soft toys and letters have been left at the scene.
An investigation is underway to establish how the tree collapse occurred. Essex Police have launched a witness portal for anyone with information or footage from the park: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/4201020125R55-PO1
Lauren Walker, who donated to the fundraiser, said: “Of course there is no amount of money that would ever be enough to compensate a young life lost, but we can all help to try and ease things for the family financially. It’s a heartbreaking incident, one that hasn’t left my mind since I heard about it.”
Photos courtesy of Aaron Chesham.