06 May 2003 - 01 Jan 2004
Accident in Richmond Park
Richmond Park

At 3.30pm on Monday 5th May, a young boy and his family were in Richmond Park when a substantial branch fell from a veteran oak tree (approximately 400 years old) and struck the boy causing him severe head and chest injuries. An air ambulance flew him to the London Free Hospital and at 8.40pm that evening he passed away. An investigation of the cause of this accident is being carried out by the Royal Parks Constabulary and an independent tree expert is being brought in to assess the tree.

William Weston, Chief Executive of The Royal Parks, said 'This is a terrible tragedy and I would like to offer my personal condolences. The thoughts of everyone in The Royal Parks are with the family. The investigation into the accident will, I hope, provide us with some answers.'

The name of boy and details of his family have not yet been released.

Source:
The Royal Parks

For more information contact:
Royal Parks Press Office, Tel. +44 (0)20 7298 2128 Mob: +44 (0)7970 660 132

Editor's notes:
The Royal Parks are: Bushy Park, Green Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Regent's Park (with Primrose Hill), Richmond Park and St James's Park.