Tragic Park Accident Claims Life of 12-Year-Old Girl
A 12-year-old girl described as "beautiful, fun, caring and loving" died after being struck by a falling tree branch while playing on a rope swing in a park, an inquest has heard. The heartbreaking incident occurred in Banstead, Surrey, on November 9, 2024, just days before Brooke Wiggins would have celebrated her 13th birthday.
Missed Inspection and Council Policy Under Scrutiny
South London Coroner’s Court was told that the tree involved, which was maintained by Surrey County Council, had last been inspected in May 2022. It was due for a re-inspection in May 2024, but this critical assessment did not take place. Christian Weaver, representing Brooke’s father Lee Wiggins, argued that had the inspection been carried out, any rope swing found on the tree should have been removed "as per policy."
Representatives for Surrey County Council countered this claim, stating that expert evidence suggests an inspection may not have achieved a "material different outcome." The inquest continues to examine the circumstances surrounding this tragic event and the responsibilities of the local authority.
Family Tributes to a Vibrant Young Life
In a statement read by assistant coroner Ivor Collett on behalf of Brooke’s mother, Claire Etherington, Brooke was remembered as a girl with "the most incredible way of lighting up every room she went into." Her mother said, "She was always surrounded by the people who loved her, and it’s easy to see why – she gave so much love back."
Brooke was passionate about dancing, art, singing, and photography. She took great pride in expressing herself and, as her mother noted, "never went anywhere without her eyelashes on." Ms. Etherington added, "She was a smart girl with so much potential. We will always wonder what she would have gone on to achieve in her life." She expressed hope that understanding what happened might bring "a small sense of closure" and "some understanding" to the family.
Father’s Heartbreaking Testimony
In a separate statement read by Mr. Collett, Brooke’s father described his daughter as an "amazing young woman" who was "bright" and "very funny." Mr. Wiggins said, "I am devastated that my baby girl has been taken from me. She packed so much into her short life. Only 12 years old, and now she’s gone forever."
He added a poignant question, "When I think of her, I ask myself, ‘why my darling Brooke?’ If only people had done their job properly… the one thing they are paid to do, and did it properly, Brooke would still be here." This statement underscores the family’s grief and their search for answers regarding the missed inspection and its potential role in the tragedy.
Coroner’s Remarks on the Case
At the start of the hearing, Mr. Collett acknowledged the profound sadness of the inquest, stating, "This is a particularly sad inquest. Of course, there are no happy inquests, but this is dreadful because it concerns the death of a young child and there’s no escaping that."
He addressed the family directly, noting, "To the family, I am bound to sound, at times, rather cold and distant… (but) I do not take away for a moment the unending pain felt by the family by the loss of their beloved daughter." The proceedings are ongoing as further evidence is examined to determine the full facts of this devastating incident.
