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Girl's Death Linked to Neglected Tree Inspection in Surrey

4/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Brooke Wiggins, a 12-year-old, died after a falling branch struck her on a rope swing in Banstead, Surrey, in November 2024.
An inquest found Surrey County Council maintained the tree, which had not been inspected since May 2022.
A scheduled May 2024 re-inspection did not occur.
The father argued proper checks would have led to removing the swing.

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Story summary

Brooke Wiggins, a 12-year-old, died after a falling branch struck her on a rope swing in Banstead, Surrey, in November 2024.
An inquest found Surrey County Council maintained the tree, which had not been inspected since May 2022.
A scheduled May 2024 re-inspection did not occur.
The father argued proper checks would have led to removing the swing.