Coroner's Verdict on Rope Swing Incident
The death of 12-year-old Brooke Wiggins, who was fatally injured by a falling tree branch while playing on a rope swing, has been officially ruled an accident by the coroner.
Brooke died in November 2024 in Banstead, Surrey, when a large branch snapped and crushed her.
Inquest Findings on Tree Maintenance
The inquest revealed that Surrey County Council (SCC) had not inspected the tree in the months preceding the incident and had not undertaken work that might have facilitated safety inspections.
Despite this, Assistant Coroner Ivor Collett dismissed criticisms directed at the council, describing Brooke's death as a "shocking accident."
"The council, which was responsible for maintaining the tree, could not have reasonably been expected to do more to prevent what happened - bearing in mind their duties and... and the public resources they have to manage,"
He further emphasized the extensive number of trees under the council's care.
Details of Tree Inspection and Condition
Evidence presented at the inquest indicated that the tree had been inspected by the local authority in May 2022.
At that time, it was recommended that ivy be removed to "aid future inspection of the tree." After Brooke's death, a "crack" was discovered on the tree, which was not visible from the ground.
A follow-up inspection was scheduled for May 2024 but was postponed due to prioritization of other inspections.
Coroner Collett stated there was "no sound evidence" that this re-inspection would have detected the "dangerous crack or rope swing."
Official Response and Cause of Death
Terence Herbert, SCC's chief executive, expressed his condolences to Brooke's family and friends.
"We.... note the coroner's conclusion that this was a tragic accident,"
Brooke, who was just days shy of her 13th birthday, died from blunt force trauma to the chest with traumatic asphyxia, according to the coroner.
Incident Description
Brooke was using the rope swing—a blue rope with a stick tied at the bottom serving as a seat—when the branch above her suddenly broke with "very little or no warning," accompanied by a shaking noise.
The branch struck Brooke, trapping her beneath it and causing severe injuries.
She was accompanied by two friends who attempted to lift the branch off her without success.
Two men from a nearby caravan park assisted and performed CPR until emergency services arrived.
Brooke was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after 17:20 GMT on 9 November.
Consideration of Preventative Measures
The inquest also examined whether posting signs warning against rope swings could have prevented the tragedy.
Coroner Collett rejected this possibility, stating,
"It is doubtful that vigorous children and teenagers would take much notice."
Tribute to Brooke
Concluding the inquest, the coroner paid tribute to Brooke's family for their advocacy.
"They have provided a voice for her when she has been unable to speak for herself,"
"Brooke was plainly a light that shone in their lives, and while that light shone far less than half as long as was its due, it clearly shone more than twice as brightly."
