The peaceful and lively atmosphere of Chalkwell Park, a beloved green space in Southend-on-Sea, turned into a scene of heartbreaking devastation on the afternoon of Saturday, 28 June 2025. Just before 3 pm, a sudden and unexpected tragedy struck when a mature tree partially collapsed in a well‐frequented area of the park, tragically injuring several children. The event left the community in shock, with the loss of one young life and the grave injury of another.
Witnesses and emergency responders rushed to the scene as soon as the collapse occurred. Despite their swift efforts to provide assistance, one of the children, a seven-year-old girl, succumbed to her injuries shortly after being rushed to the hospital. The second child, a six-year-old girl, remains in critical condition, while three others sustained less severe injuries. All of them are receiving medical attention, and their families, along with the entire community, are holding their breath for their full recovery.
The entire town of Southend-on-Sea is mourning today, as the news of the incident ripples through the hearts of all who knew the children, and the devastation spreads beyond the park’s immediate vicinity. A tragic and unimaginable loss has been felt, and it leaves the community grieving for the young life cut short and praying for the recovery of those still in critical condition.
The horrific incident unfolded in an area of Chalkwell Park frequently visited by families, children, and sports groups who come to enjoy the park’s vast green spaces. Witnesses have described the shocking moment when the large tree cracked before crashing down upon the group of children. The loud “crack” was immediately followed by panic as those nearby rushed to lift the fallen tree, using their strength and determination to help free the injured children. It was an act of bravery and unity in a time of crisis as families and bystanders came together in the face of terror.
As the Mayor of Southend-on-Sea and your Chalkwell Councillor, I stand with you in this moment of deep grief. My thoughts are with the bereaved family of the seven-year-old child, whose life was tragically taken in such a sudden and violent manner. No parent should ever have to endure the loss of their child, and the pain that family must be feeling is immeasurable. I also hold in my heart the six-year-old girl who remains in critical condition. Her fight for recovery is something we must all hope for and rally behind, and I send my deepest thoughts to her family as well. To the other injured children—who suffered minor injuries, we wish you strength in your healing, and I pray that you are surrounded by the love and care you need in these challenging days.
This tragedy has not only impacted the families involved but has sent shockwaves throughout the entire Southend-on-Sea community. Chalkwell Park has long been a place where memories are made, where children play freely, and where families enjoy the simple pleasures of life. To see such a vibrant place become the scene of such heartbreak is devastating. What started as a joyful afternoon in the park for these children and their families quickly turned into an unimaginable nightmare.
In the face of such a traumatic incident, our community has demonstrated immense courage, compassion, and resilience. Those who were nearby and witnessed the event sprang into action without hesitation. They showed remarkable selflessness, helping to lift the tree off the children and ensuring that emergency responders could reach the scene as quickly as possible. Their bravery will not be forgotten, and it is a testament to the strength and unity that defines our community.
As we move forward in the wake of this tragedy, I want to assure everyone that every effort is being made to fully investigate the cause of the tree’s collapse. Safety measures in public spaces, such as parks, must always be our priority. The Southend-on-Sea City Council is working closely with local authorities, including the Essex Police and the parks and recreation department, to ensure that all necessary actions are taken to prevent such a tragedy from happening again in the future. This includes conducting thorough inspections of trees and other infrastructure in public areas to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.
As we continue to investigate, I also urge everyone in the community to be respectful of the ongoing work. Please avoid the cordoned-off areas in Chalkwell Park to allow investigators to complete their work in a safe and efficient manner. This will help ensure that no further complications arise as we work to understand what caused this tragic accident.
I understand that this traumatic event may be deeply affecting many in the community. I encourage those who are struggling with grief or anxiety as a result of the incident to seek support. Our local NHS resources, counseling services, and the council’s trauma helpline are all available for those who need assistance. We are a community that cares for each other, and no one needs to navigate this grief alone.
As we mourn the loss of a young child, we must also stand together in solidarity, offering support to the family and friends affected. In the coming days, a candlelight vigil will be held in honor of the seven-year-old child and the others affected by this tragedy. The vigil will take place in Plyler Park, just a short walk from where the incident occurred. This vigil will be an opportunity for all of us to reflect, honor the young lives lost and to support the grieving families. It is our chance to come together as a community, sharing in our grief, but also in our hope for healing and support.
As we carry on with our lives in the wake of this tragedy, we must continue to honor the memory of those we have lost. The courage, joy, and laughter that this young child brought to our community will live on in our hearts. Let us hold onto the love and kindness that defined their short life, and allow that spirit to guide us through these difficult times.
In closing, I would like to offer my deepest condolences to the family of the young girl who lost her life in this accident. We will carry your pain with us, and we will remember your child with love, respect, and gratitude for the time they spent in our community. Our thoughts are also with the families of the other injured children, and we hope for their swift recovery.
Please continue to keep them in your thoughts, and let us all come together in compassion and love as we navigate this heartbreaking tragedy. We are a resilient community, and together, we will move forward—honoring the memory of this young child and ensuring that their legacy lives on in the kindness and unity we share.
May you rest in peace, little one. Your life may have been short, but your impact will last forever.
