A family has paid tribute to a seven-year-old girl who died after a tree collapsed in an Essex park, describing her as a “shining star”.
Leonna Ruka, from Dagenham, was killed and four other children were injured after the tree fell in Chalkwell Park, Southend-on-Sea, shortly before 3pm on Saturday.
The girl had been visiting family in the area on the day of the incident and was enjoying the warm summer weather in the park, Essex Police said.
Despite members of the public rushing to try and lift the tree and the efforts of emergency services shortly afterwards, Leonna died from the falling object.
A six-year-old girl also remains in hospital in a critical condition, the force said.
In a statement shared by police on Tuesday, Leonna’s family said she was a “beautiful, bright, and loving little girl, taken from us far too soon”.
They said: “Leonna was more than just a child – she was a light in our lives and in the lives of everyone who had the joy of meeting her.
“She was an intelligent and curious soul, full of energy and creativity.
“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.
“From the moment she walked into a room, she would light it up.
“She had this rare gift of making everyone feel special and loved. There was something truly unique and unforgettable about her.”
