logo
Leonna Ruka: Southend church opening for 'time of reflection' in aftermath of tragedy

Leonna Ruka: Southend church opening for 'time of reflection' in aftermath of tragedy

ITV News19 hours ago
A church is to open for "prayers and reflection" for a community mourning the death of a seven-year-old girl who was killed by a falling tree.
Leonna Ruka died when the tree toppled in Chalkwell Park in Southend, Essex, on Saturday.
The youngster from Dagenham was visiting family in the area, and her six-year-old cousin remains in a critical condition in hospital.
Three other children received minor injuries.Her family described her as " the light in their lives" in a tribute to the "perfect" youngster on Tuesday.
Hundreds of bunches of flowers have also been left near the scene since Saturday.
A nearby church, St Mark the Evangelist, on Hamlet Road, has announced it will be open between 6pm and 7pm on Wednesday for anyone grieving or for those who need support.
Posting on Facebook, a spokesman for the church said: "We share our deepest sympathy and prayers with the family and loved ones of Leonna Ruka, and all connected with the tragic incident that occurred in Chalkwell Park on Saturday.
"St Mark's Church will be open between 6pm and 7pm on Wednesday 2 July, for a time of reflection, prayer and lighting of candles for anyone grieving or troubled."
An investigation into the cause of the fall is under way.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Gateshead rapist reported himself to police for sex attack
Gateshead rapist reported himself to police for sex attack

BBC News

time12 minutes ago

  • BBC News

Gateshead rapist reported himself to police for sex attack

A rapist who reported himself to police after attacking a woman has been jailed for eight Gregory, 32, called officers soon after sexually assaulting a woman and told them he had "pretty much raped" her with the intercourse "unconsented", Newcastle Crown Court then pleaded not guilty to rape, claiming he had made a false confession, but jurors found him victim said she felt "angry, confused and dirty" in the aftermath of the attack, the court heard. Gregory, of Newbolt Court in Gateshead, must also sign the sex offenders register for life. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.

Truth about hero dad who leapt off Disney cruise to save daughter, 5, revealed – as glam doc seen cradling girl is named
Truth about hero dad who leapt off Disney cruise to save daughter, 5, revealed – as glam doc seen cradling girl is named

Scottish Sun

timean hour ago

  • Scottish Sun

Truth about hero dad who leapt off Disney cruise to save daughter, 5, revealed – as glam doc seen cradling girl is named

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE truth about the hero dad who leapt off a Disney cruise ship to save his five-year-old daughter has been revealed. Police have officially shut down swirling rumours about the father's role in Sunday's terrifying incident. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 The dad (picured in a red shirt) immediately dived roughly 50ft into the ocean to save his daughter Credit: Facebook 7 The girl fell overboard from the fourth deck of the Disney Dream cruise Credit: Facebook/Kevin Furuta 7 The five-year-old sits on the ship's lead physician's lap as her identity is finally revealed Credit: Party_Objective/Reddit 7 Alyssa Charles (centre) is a pediatric and emergency care specialist from South Africa Credit: Instagram It comes as the glamorous doctor seen cradling the rescued girl has now been named as Alyssa Charles. The child fell from the fourth deck of the $900 million Disney Dream around 11.30am as the vessel made its way back to Fort Lauderdale from the Bahamas. Her dad, 37, immediately dived roughly 50ft into the ocean in a desperate attempt to save her. He reportedly kept the little girl afloat for nearly 20 minutes before the pair were rescued by ship crew. Initially hailed as a hero, the dad soon became the target of online outrage amid widespread - and now debunked - claims that he had lifted the child onto a 42.5-inch railing to take a photo, causing her to fall. But on Wednesday, the Broward County Sheriff's Office officially refuted that viral theory. Sheriff Gregory Tony said the child was sitting on the railing and fell backwards through a porthole - but made it clear that the dad did not put her there. He said in a press briefing: 'After the girl's mother alerted her husband, who didn't see the incident, he jumped into the ocean to save his daughter. 'BSO detectives said after the 37-year-old father found his daughter, he treaded water until they were rescued by a tender that was launched from the ship.' What happened on the Carnival Triumph 'poop cruise'- Netflix Trainwreck documentary explained- Tony added that security video from the Disney Dream corroborated the family's version of events. 'This family is so blessed. It's great to be able to respond to good news rather than what could have been a tragic outcome,' he said. The girl's fall triggered an immediate man overboard alarm and emergency code "Mr MOB" across the ship, launching a high-speed rescue effort that played out in front of hundreds of stunned passengers. Witnesses described frantic scenes as life rings were hurled into the ocean and a yellow rescue craft raced from the vessel to reach the dad-daughter duo. Passenger Nikki Samsill Jackson told the Daily Mail: 'When they were rescued, dad had his arms around his child and he was treading water. 'Everybody was cheering.' Passenger Chandler, who spoke to People, said she heard a loud thud after the fall. 'It sounded like hitting pavement, nothing like if you jump into a pool,' she said, describing an 'awful' scream she believed came from the girl's mother. 7 The doctor joined Disney Cruise Line in August last year Credit: Linkedin 7 Charles can be seen holding the child after the rescue Credit: Facebook Glam doctor revealed Once pulled from the water, it wasn't her dad but a mystery woman seen cradling the rescued girl that captured attention online. That woman has now been identified as Dr Alyssa Charles, the Disney Dream's lead physician. Charles, a pediatric and emergency care specialist from South Africa, was seen holding the girl gently in her lap, stroking her hair as she assessed her condition. The footage went viral, with people praising her for the heartwarming care she provided. 'She was holding her like her own!' one user posted. 'The rescuer rubbing her head,' another wrote, adding a crying emoji. Charles, who joined Disney Cruise Line in August last year, has previously worked at the Red Cross and travelled the world as a cruise doctor. Her sister Jasmine confirmed her identity in a proud Instagram post: 'That's my sister! Doctor on the rescue boat!' The girl appeared healthy after the terrifying ordeal, though her dad was reportedly injured while keeping her afloat and was taken to hospital after the ship returned to port. Police declined to specify the nature of his injuries. Disney has since praised its staff for their swift response. A spokesperson said: 'The crew aboard the Disney Dream swiftly rescued two guests from the water. 'We commend our crew members for their exceptional skills and prompt actions. 'This incident highlights the effectiveness of our safety protocols.' Cruise officials are continuing to review how the girl was able to fall though cops have made it clear that no foul play is suspected. The Disney Dream, which carries up to 3,500 passengers and can reach speeds of 25mph, was last refurbished in 2024. It docked in Fort Lauderdale on Monday before continuing its five-day itinerary to Nassau and Disney Lookout Cay. The cruise is due to return to Florida on Saturday.

Diogo Jota ‘dead' – Liverpool and Portugal star ‘dies aged 28 in tragic car crash'
Diogo Jota ‘dead' – Liverpool and Portugal star ‘dies aged 28 in tragic car crash'

Scottish Sun

time2 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

Diogo Jota ‘dead' – Liverpool and Portugal star ‘dies aged 28 in tragic car crash'

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LIVERPOOL star Diogo Jota has reportedly died in a car crash. The Portugese winger, aged 28, was involved in the accident in Zamora, Spain, reports local media. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 The accident occurred on the A52, near the municipality of Palacios de Sanabria, reports Marca. THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY.. The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store