Brooke Wiggins was fatally wounded on November 9, 2024, in Banstead, Surrey, just before she would have turned 13. The incident occurred when a tree branch fell as she was swinging on it, leading to her tragic death. The inquest into her death is being held at South London Coroner's Court, where proceedings are ongoing.
Assistant coroner Ivor Collett read a statement on behalf of Brooke's mother, Claire Etherington, expressing the family's grief and seeking answers about the circumstances. During the inquest, it emerged that Surrey County Council had been due to re-inspect the branch six months earlier but it did not take place, raising questions about oversight. Christian Weaver, acting on behalf of Brooke's father Lee Wiggins, said that had the inspection been carried out, any rope swing found on the tree should have been removed, as per council policy, potentially averting the accident.
I am devastated that my baby girl has been taken from me. She packed so much into her short life. Only 12 years old, and now she's gone forever. When I think of her, I ask myself, 'why my darling Brooke?' If only people had done their job properly... the one thing they are paid to do, and did it properly, Brooke would still be here.
This alleged failure in inspection procedures highlights broader policy implications for tree safety in public areas. Representatives for Surrey County Council responded by stating that expert evidence shows an inspection may not have achieved a materially different outcome, suggesting the branch might have still posed a risk. The council's response leaves ongoing questions about the effectiveness of inspection protocols and whether they adequately protect public safety.
The inquest continues to investigate these issues, with further details expected as the case progresses.
She was a beautiful, fun, caring and loving girl who had the most incredible way of lighting up every room she went into. She was always surrounded by the people who loved her, and it's easy to see why – she gave so much love back.
She was a smart girl with so much potential. We will always wonder what she would have gone on to achieve in her life.
She hopes knowing what happened to Brooke will bring a small sense of closure and some understanding.
This is a particularly sad inquest. Of course, there are no happy inquests, but this is dreadful because it concerns the death of a young child and there's no escaping that. To the family, I am bound to sound, at times, rather cold and distant... (but) I do not take away for a moment the unending pain felt by the family by the loss of their beloved daughter.