TRAGIC END
Heartbreaking tributes to ‘beautiful’ girl, 12, crushed to death by falling tree as desperate pals screamed for help
Friends and family have shared heartfelt messages
HEARTBREAKING tributes have flooded in for a 12-year-old girl crushed to death by a falling tree.
Schoolgirl Brooke was killed on Saturday after she was knocked down by a large branch and becoming trapped for more than an hour and a half.
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Her pals screamed in a desperate attempt to rescue her, but the youngster was tragically "already gone" by the time neighbours arrived to help.
Friends and family took to social media to share heartfelt tributes for Brooke, from Banstead, who was due to turn 13 in just a matter of days.
One wrote: "Brooke was a bright and joyful spirit who lit up every room she walked into.
"Her laughter was contagious, and she had this amazing way of making everyone around her feel happy and loved.
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"She was a truly special friend who will always be remembered."
Another pal said: "Absolutely heartbreaking.. fly high princess."
A has been set up in Brooke's name to help with funeral costs.
On the site, fundraiser organiser Billy wrote: "A mum lost a daughter, a brother lost a big sister, and a family lost a shining light in our lives that will never be replaced.
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"I’ve started this to help her mum with the costs of the funeral.
"She has always done everything on her own for both her children so now it’s time to do something for her."
The footpath in Banstead, Surrey, remains closed off today as officers investigate.
One local told The Sun: “Moments before I saw them walking down the path, and then I heard screams.
“One of her friends shouted, ‘My friend has been crushed. Please help me’.
“I feel very sad, but I couldn’t save her. I knew she’d already gone.”
The Met Police confirmed it would investigate the death though said it was not believed to be suspicious.
In a statement, London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner Pat Goldbourne said: “Despite the effort of emergency service personnel in attendance, the child was declared dead at the scene.
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"The thoughts of our crews and staff across the entire Brigade are with the child's family at this difficult time."
A vigil will be held on Wednesday with Brooke's friends and family asked to bring pink balloons and lanterns to celebrate her 13th birthday.
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