One Year Anniversary

JUNE 28, 2026 was the one year anniversary of the Chalkwell Park tree incident, in which seven-year-old Leonna Ruka lost her life.
Leonna’s parents have paid tribute to their daughter and thanked the public for their support.
Leonna, from Dagenham, was visiting family in Southend on Saturday 28 June 2025. The family had travelled to the park and, like many others, were enjoying the warm summer weather. Shortly before 3pm, a tree in the park partially collapsed.
Several children were caught beneath it, including Leonna.
Members of the public immediately rushed to help the children and were swiftly joined by first responders from all emergency services.
Leonna was taken to hospital but, despite the efforts of all involved in her care, very sadly died.
A six-year-old girl was also taken to hospital in a critical condition. She has since left hospital and continues to make a recovery. Three other children received minor injuries.
A memory book was set up in Leonna’s name and remained available at Chalkwell Park between 10am and 3pm on Sunday 28 June, 2026.
Ahead of the anniversary, Leonna’s parents, Leo and Floreta Ruka, shared the following tribute to their daughter, thanking the people of Southend and further afield for their support over the past year.
Leo and Floreta said: “We invite all those who would like to share kind words about Leonna, her life, and her legacy, to visit the park and write in her book.
“One year ago, our lives changed forever when we lost our beautiful daughter, Leonna, and with her a part of ourselves.
“It is hard to believe that a whole year has passed, in many ways, it feels impossible that so much time has gone by.
“In others, it feels as though we are still living the nightmare of the day she was taken from us and it is difficult to put into words the impact that loss continues to have on our family.
“As her parents, there are no words that can truly capture the pain of losing a child.
“The last year has been the longest and most difficult of our lives. Not a minute has passed without thinking about her.
“Not a day has passed without feeling the weight of her absence. While the world has continued to move forward, for those who loved Leonna, there remains a space that can never be filled.
“People often talk about the passage of time, but there is no measure of time that can lessen the love we have for our daughter or the pain of missing her.
“Leonna was an extraordinary person whose kindness, loving heart, caring nature and positive energy brightened the lives of everyone around her.
“We watched her grow, supported her dreams, celebrated her achievements, and loved her with all our hearts. We remain profoundly proud of the person Leonna was and the impact she had on those fortunate enough to know her.
“She had a future that should have been hers. We think about that every day.
“Over the past year, we have been touched by the kindness and support shown to our family. Knowing that Leonna is remembered and loved by so many people has brought us comfort during our darkest days, and for that we will always be grateful.
“As we mark this anniversary, we do not speak of moving on. Instead, we speak of remembering, honouring, and ensuring that Leonna is never forgotten.
“We know her legacy will continue to live on through the people who loved her and through all the lives she touched.
“We will continue to carry her with us in everything we do, and we hope that the love and light she brought into the world will never be forgotten.
“Leonna was our daughter, our pride, and our joy. We miss her beyond words, we love her beyond measure, and we will honour her memory for the rest of our lives.
“We sincerely appreciate your respect for our family’s privacy as we remember Leonna and reflect on the profound loss we continue to live with each day.”
Essex Police continue to provide support to Leonna’s family and a detailed investigation remains ongoing.
Detective Chief Inspector Greg Wood, who is leading the investigation, said: “One year on from this devastating incident, the thoughts of everyone involved in the investigation remain with the families and friends of both young girls – one of whom so tragically lost her life.
“We continue to offer support to those affected.
“Our investigation into the incident, supported by experts including the Health and Safety Executive, is ongoing.
“This remains a complex, forensic and sensitive process that will take time.”
Coun Cowan, Leader of Southend City Council, said: “As we mark one year since the tragic incident at Chalkwell Park on 28 June 2025, our thoughts remain with the family of Leonna Ruka, who so heartbreakingly lost her life, with the other children who were injured, and their families.
“This was an incident that deeply affected our whole community, including the first responders and members of the public who acted so selflessly to help on the day.
“We continue to hold Leonna’s family in our thoughts and send our sincere condolences as they face this anniversary.”
Picture: Leonna Ruka & Officers who paid tribute in Chalkwell Park
Read more
Visit: https://leigh-on-sea.news
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leighonsea.news
X : @leighonsea_news
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leighonsea.news
Contact us: https://leigh-on-sea.news/contact-us
Email: [email protected]