A GIRL, 8, who died after a tree collapsed on her has been named as Maisy Mayne. Her heartbroken family paid tribute to the “beautiful niece” following the tragedy on Friday. Another youngster was also hit as the tree came down onto a footpath near Sittingbourne, Kent, and was rushed to hospital seriously injured. Tragically […]
A GIRL, 8, who died after a tree collapsed on her has been named as Maisy Mayne.
Her heartbroken family paid tribute to the “beautiful niece” following the tragedy on Friday.
Another youngster was also hit as the tree came down onto a footpath near Sittingbourne, Kent, and was rushed to hospital seriously injured.
Tragically Maisy was declared dead at the scene after the accident in the high winds.
Today floral tributes were placed close to the spot where she died.
A note left with flowers at the scene reads: “To my beautiful niece, I love you. May you rest in peace. Love your uncle and beautiful cousins.”
One witness told The Sun Online a woman ran towards him for help in a desperate bid to save the children at around 12pm on Friday.
He said: “I heard this woman shouting as she came running across the field with no shoes on so I walked over.
“She rushed towards me and was screaming for anyone to help. The woman started crying and said her niece had just been hit by a tree.
“I asked her if she was alright. She seemed very, very panicked.
“As I walked up and down trying to help her, at least 15 emergency service vehicles came flying past me.”
Winds reached speeds of up to 60mph around the time of the tragedy and a Met Office issued a yellow weather warning.
It is understood the two children were walking with a woman when the freak accident occurred.
An inquest into Maisy’s death will be opened on Friday at 9.30am at County Hall in Maidstone.
The tragedy took place on a footpath on Parsonage Lane which is a popular walking route in the local area.
A neighbour who wanted to remain anonymous said: “When I saw the air ambulance was there for almost two hours, I knew it was either too late or something serious.
“I say hello when I pass the family involved and they seem like really nice people. I hope the other child will pull through.”
Councillor Corrie Woodford, who represents the Bobbing, Iwade and Lower Halstow ward on Swale Borough Council, said: “My condolences go out to everybody involved.
“It’s so heartbreaking for the family and friends and they are all in my thoughts.”
A Kent Police spokesman said: “Kent Police was called at 12.17pm on Friday to a report two children had been injured by a falling tree near Parsonage Lane, Bobbing.
“Officers attended alongside South East Coast Ambulance Service, the air ambulance and Kent Fire and Rescue Service.
“One child was declared deceased at the scene and another child was airlifted to a London hospital with serious injuries.
“Kent Police is preparing a report for the coroner.”
Storm Ellen claimed two lives last week as the UK was battered with powerful winds up to 75mph.
A man in his 50s died after being pulled from waves off the Cornish coast.
Schoolgirl Nicola Williams had been playing with friends on the banks of the River Rhymney in Cardiff when she tragically drowned.
