After a little girl was allegedly killed on a school trip, see what her family said about it

Leah Harrison, a 10-year-old schoolgirl, tragically lost her life in a mudslide during a school trip in North Yorkshire. Leah, described as a “happy, bubbly,” and “go-lucky” child, was a cherished student at Mount Pleasant School in Darlington, part of the Lingfield Education Trust.

The incident occurred while Leah was on a school trip, and despite a major rescue operation involving 30 mountain rescuers, she could not be saved. The mudslide, triggered by heavy rainfall, took place in Carlton-in-Cleveland, on the edge of the North York Moors. North Yorkshire Police confirmed the tragic event and expressed their condolences to Leah’s family and friends.

According to a recent update from Sky News, Nick Blackburn, the chief executive of Lingfield Education Trust, spoke about the tragedy, highlighting the profound impact Leah had on her school community.

“The full details are still emerging, but this is clearly a heartbreaking tragedy. Leah was a much-loved part of our school, and our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and the school staff,” he said. Blackburn also mentioned that counseling services are being arranged for both students and staff as they process this devastating loss.

Leah’s family released a heartfelt statement describing their loss and celebrating Leah’s vibrant personality. They referred to her as a “happy, bubbly, go-lucky little girl” and noted that “God only takes the best.” The statement fondly recalled Leah’s “beautiful smile, the giddy laugh, the silly jokes,” ensuring that she would “never ever be forgotten.” They expressed their belief that Leah would achieve her dream of becoming a player for the Lionesses, urging her to “spread those wings” and rest in paradise. “You will achieve your dream and become a player for the Lionesses; spread those wings. May you rest in paradise.”

The family’s message, shared on Facebook, also included plans for a memorial balloon release in a local field at 4 p.m. on Monday, inviting the community to honor Leah’s memory. They are being supported by specially trained officers during this difficult time.

The North Yorkshire Police provided additional details about the incident, confirming that Leah was the only casualty and that no one else was injured. The area of Carlton Bank was cordoned off for the rest of the afternoon, with the public advised to avoid the location.

This tragic event has left Leah’s school and local community in shock, grappling with the sudden loss of a young life full of promise and joy. The collective grief underscores the profound impact Leah had on those around her, with her memory being cherished by family, friends, and educators alike.