An inquest has revealed that recommended work on a beech tree that snapped and killed a 12-year-old girl was never carried out by council workers. Brooke Wiggins died on November 9, 2024, in Banstead, Surrey, after a rope swing she was on caused a large branch to break and crush her.
Missed Inspection
The tree had been inspected only once in May 2022, when a recommendation to remove ivy was made. It was scheduled for a re-inspection in May 2024, but this did not happen due to a prioritisation system used by Surrey County Council. Arboriculturist Simon Cox, who visited the site after Brooke's death, said there were two distinct cracks in the tree. One appeared recent, while the other was linked to the fatal failure. He noted that the cracks would not have been visible from the ground even if an inspection had occurred.
Tree Health vs. Structural Soundness
Mr Cox described the tree as being in "good health," but this was challenged by a report from JDB contractors & son that highlighted decay, wounds, and previous failure points. When asked if the tree was structurally sound, Mr Cox said some parts were good but others were not. The branch that killed Brooke broke about one metre from its attachment, with the failure attributed to a combination of the swing's load and natural forces like wind and gravity.
Council's Response
Surrey County Council’s Countryside Group Manager, Katie McDonald, told the court that the authority does not have the budget to inspect every tree. The work was given a priority rating of five, meaning it "should" take place within 12 months. She said: "This gives flexibility to be able to juggle different priorities, and ensure that on the spectrum of priority, we are providing the most value for money for our residents, and that would be tackling the highest priority first."
Tree surgeon James Wade said the deadlines lapsed without an active decision being made. He added: "I was not aware that the reassessment of that tree had lapsed." The council's policy is to remove rope swings from trees within seven days, but it may not have been in place at the time of the incident.
Family's Grief and Quest for Justice
Brooke died of blunt force trauma to the chest with traumatic asphyxia. Her family described her as a "beautiful, kind-hearted" girl. A family spokesperson said: "We believe if the tree was inspected properly then Brooke would still be here today." They have launched a "Justice for Brooke" petition to promote safer public spaces. The inquest is scheduled to conclude on May 6.
