A full inquest is scheduled for next spring into the death of 12-year-old Brooke Wiggins, who was crushed by a falling tree branch on the border of Sutton and Reigate and Banstead, Surrey, last year. Serious questions remain about whether the tree was properly maintained and safe.
Pre-Inquest Review Reveals Council Safety Questions
The inquest date follows a pre-inquest review on October 7 at South London Coroner’s Court. Coroner Ivor Collett will decide if Sutton Council, Surrey County Council, or both bear responsibility for the fatal fall of the branch. The rope swing Brooke was using was attached to a tree managed by Surrey County Council.
Brooke died on November 9, 2024, after a branch snapped while she played with friends at Grove Place near Carshalton Road. Emergency services took over an hour to free her but she was pronounced dead at the scene. Witnesses described the scene as “deeply distressing” with friends crying for help.
Who’s Accountable? Council and Safety Experts to Testify
Surrey arboriculture managers will provide evidence on the tree’s inspection regime and if it met safety standards. The inquest will explore if the branch collapse was preventable and whether council maintenance was adequate.
While Surrey oversees the tree, the branch hung over land owned by Sutton Council — adding complexity. The coroner is also considering naming the London Borough of Sutton as an interested party, giving it a stronger role in the proceedings.
Coroner Highlights Broader Safety Concerns
Collett emphasised the case’s importance, noting Surrey has the highest tree cover of any English county, with 22.4% woodland. He has authorised Surrey to ‘monolith’ the remaining branches on the tree involved.
Brooke’s family attended the hearing and plan to share a tribute during the inquest. The coroner confirmed that distressing bodycam footage won’t be used, but 999 call audio will be played as evidence.
Due to court backlogs, the three-day inquest is expected to take place in spring 2025, with an exact date confirmed within the month.
