Image source, North Yorkshire Police
The family of a 10-year-old who died in a mudslide in North Yorkshire have described her as a “happy, bubbly, go-lucky little girl”.
Leah Harrison, a Year 6 pupil at Mount Pleasant Primary School in Darlington, was killed on Wednesday afternoon during a school residential trip.
She had been taking part in an outdoor education forest walk at Carlton Adventure in Carlton-in-Cleveland.
The site operators, Hartlepool Council, said activities had been suspended.
An investigation is being carried out by North Yorkshire Police and the Heath and Safety Executive to establish what happened.
In a statement, the family said: “Leah Harrison, the happy, bubbly, go-lucky little girl.
“The beautiful smile, the giddy laugh, the silly jokes.
“You will never ever be forgotten baby girl. You will achieve your dream and become a player for the Lionesses.
“Spread those wings. May you rest in paradise.”
Leah is believed to have been one of a number of pupils who were on the school residential trip, following the conclusion of SAT tests the previous week.
Denise McGuckin, managing director of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “The tragic incident occurred during one of the centre’s instructor-led outdoor education forest walks near to Carlton-in-Cleveland.
“We are utterly devastated and heartbroken and our thoughts are with Leah’s family and friends and all those affected.
“We are working closely with our partner agencies to carry out a full investigation and we are temporarily suspending all outdoor activities and residential breaks managed by the council.
“Whilst the investigation is being carried out it would be inappropriate for us to comment further.”
A Met Office yellow weather warning was in place for the area on Wednesday as heavy rain fell.
Nick Blackburn, chief executive of the trust which runs Leah’s school, also paid tribute, describing her as “much-loved”.
In a statement, he said it was a “heart-breaking tragedy” and full details were “still emerging”.
‘State of shock’
Mr Blackburn said: “Leah was a much-loved part of our school and our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and the school staff.
“Counselling is being arranged within the school for pupils and staff.
“We are all in a state of shock and we would ask that the privacy of the family and the school community is respected while we try to come to terms with what has happened.”
The Cleveland Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) confirmed it despatched volunteers to the incident, which occurred on Carlton Bank.
A Cleveland MRT spokesperson said 19 volunteers were “deployed immediately” before that number later rose to 30.
The spokesperson said they worked alongside police, fire and ambulance responders.
“The thoughts of the mountain rescue volunteers are with the family and friends of the deceased during such a very sad time,” they added.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
