12 May 2003 - 01 Jan 2004
Accident in Richmond Park (2)
Richmond Park

At 3.30pm on Monday 5th May, a young boy and his family were in Richmond Park when a branch fell from a veteran (approximately 400 years old) oak tree and struck the boy causing him fatal injuries. An investigation of the cause of this accident is being carried out by the Royal Parks Constabulary and an independent tree expert has assessed the tree as part of the investigation. The Royal Parks are co-operating fully with the investigation, which will report to the Coroner's Officer.

William Weston, Chief Executive of The Royal Parks, said: "This is a terrible tragedy. I have written to the family to offer my personal condolences and those of staff working in the Parks. The thoughts of everyone in The Royal Parks are with the family. The Royal Parks are, of course, co-operating fully with the investigation into the accident."

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.