Overview
- The collapse of a metal-supported cedar in Chalkwell Park on June 28 killed seven-year-old Leonna Ruka and injured four other children, including a six-year-old who remains in critical condition.
- A full and independent Essex Police investigation is now under way and the force has set up an online portal for eyewitnesses to submit information.
- Council safety teams have cordoned off sections of the park and begun thorough inspections of ageing trees after criticism of past maintenance regimes.
- Community members have organised memorial services and St Mark the Evangelist Church held an evening for prayer and reflection on July 2.
- A fundraiser has raised more than £30,000 to support Leonna’s family and local emergency services, intensifying calls for a systematic audit of public park trees.