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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Bryony Gooch

Family pays tribute to girl, 7, killed in tree collapse in Southend

The family of a seven-year-old girl who died following the partial collapse of a tree in Southend have described her as "the light in their lives".

Leonna Ruka, from Dagenham, was visiting family in the area on Saturday, where she travelled to Chalkwell Park to enjoy the warm summer weather. Shortly before 3pm, a tree in the park partially collapsed, with several children caught beneath it, including Leonna.

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