The family of a seven-year-old girl from east London have said she will “live forever in our hearts” after she was killed when a tree collapsed in a park in Southend, Essex.
Leonna Ruka, from Dagenham, had travelled to the area with her family to enjoy the warm weather on Saturday, when a tree collapsed shortly before 3pm. She later died in hospital.
A six-year-old girl is still in critical condition and remains in hospital following the incident, while three other children suffered minor injuries.
Paying tribute, Leonna’s family said she was “the light in their lives” and described her as “an intelligent and curious soul, full of energy and creativity”.
In a statement, the family said: “We need space to grieve, to remember our precious Leonna, and to begin the slow and painful process of healing.
“Leonna will live forever in our hearts – in every laugh, every sunbeam, every act of kindness we see in the world. We were so lucky to have had her, even if only for a short time. Thank you for holding her in your hearts.”
Leonna’s family explained they have been left with “broken hearts and unimaginable pain” and recalled how she would light up a room every time she walked into it.
The family explained she had a unique way of making everyone feel special and loved.
They added: “A little girl who was always exploring, always asking questions, always dreaming. She had a heart full of love and a mind full of endless ideas.
“She was funny, kind, and full of life – a shining star who brought happiness wherever she went and she met.”
The family statement continued: “She was the kind of girl who gave love without asking for anything in return.
“She was perfect – too perfect for a world that can be so cruel and unfair.
“Leonna had so many dreams – dreams that now remain unfinished.
“Our hearts ache knowing how much life she had ahead of her, how much joy she could have brought to this world.
“We will never stop wondering who she would have become, but we will forever carry who she was.”
Members of the emergency services and council officials laid flowers and paid their respects at Chalkwell Park, where the collapse happened.
Support remains in place for police officers and staff involved in the response to the incident, Essex Police said.
Leonna’s family also thanked friends, family and community members for their kindness and prayers following Leonna’s death.
The family statement continued: “In our deepest sorrow, you reminded us that we are not alone.
“We are incredibly grateful for every candle lit, every flower placed, every tear shared in her memory.
“The outpouring of love for our daughter has brought us comfort in ways we never imagined possible.
“As we try to navigate this unimaginable pain, we kindly ask for privacy. This is a time of deep mourning and reflection for our family.”
A police investigation is underway, but remains at a relatively early stage.
Essex Police 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.”
She added: “There is a full and independent police investigation under way. This will take time.
“We will update on the outcome of these enquiries as soon as we possibly can. Until then, I’d ask that the public remember how harmful potentially unsubstantiated commentary can be.
“There will be a time and a place for the facts around what led to this incident to be explored in a public forum.
“Our investigation is still at a relatively early stage and, as desperately as people want answers, I’d please urge patience.”
