Teenager dies after incident at Chalkwell Park
Tallulah Bradford, 18, has died following a horror incident at Chalkwell Park in Southend-on-Sea, Essex. She sustained severe injuries in the early hours of Saturday, June 13, and was rushed to hospital, where she died six days later.
Essex Police have arrested an 18-year-old man from Westcliff and a 17-year-old boy on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Both have been bailed until September. Police believe a large crowd of young people was present at the time and are appealing for witnesses.
Police statement and investigation
In a statement, Essex Police said: "A teenager seriously injured following an incident involving a vehicle in Southend has, sadly, now died. We had been called to the Chalkwell Park area at around 12.30am on Saturday 13 June to reports a group of people to have taken unauthorised control of a small articulated loading vehicle."
Officers confirmed that the 18-year-old woman sustained significant injuries and died in hospital. The force is continuing to support her family and urged anyone with information to contact them via their website, Live Chat, or by calling 101 quoting incident 39 of 13 June.
Family tribute and fundraiser
A GoFundMe page set up in Tallulah's memory has raised over £18,000, far exceeding the original £4,500 target. A family friend wrote: "Full of love, laughter, and kindness, Tallulah touched the lives of everyone who knew her. She brought so much joy to her family and friends, and her memory will be cherished forever."
The tribute added: "Tallulah was deeply loved, and she will never be forgotten. Her beautiful spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone who knew her, especially in the hearts of her mum Jayde, and her brother, Lennon and her grandparents, aunties and uncles."
Community impact
Chalkwell Park is a popular area for families and tourists. The incident has shocked the local community. Police are continuing their enquiries and are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage to come forward.
