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Inquest Rules Death of 10-Year-Old Leah Harrison in Mudslide Accident

An inquest has concluded that Leah Harrison tragically lost her life after being swept away by a mudslide during a school outing at Carlton Adventure Centre on May 22, 2024.

A 10-year-old girl, Leah Harrison, succumbed to traumatic asphyxiation after an unexpected mudslide struck during a school trip in England, as revealed during a recent inquest.

While participating in an instructor-led walk at Carlton Adventure Centre, Leah was crossing a stream when the mudslide suddenly descended, dragging her approximately 20 feet downstream, as reported by various U.K. news outlets including The Times, Independent, and the BBC.

Following a lengthy hearing, a jury inquest held at Teesside Magistrates’ Court determined that Leah’s death was accidental. At the time of the incident, Leah was on a three-day residential trip with fellow students from Mount Pleasant Primary School, engaged in outdoor educational activities in the North York Moors National Park.

The area’s assistant coroner, Paul Appleton, indicated that Leah became “submerged in thick mud” as rescuers attempted to reach her, but preliminary efforts to extricate her were unsuccessful, according to The Independent.

A rescue operation involving around 30 mountain rescue workers was initiated, but tragically, Leah was later confirmed deceased at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.

Paul Godwin, the activities coordinator, testified that the mudslide was unforeseen, asserting that there were no signs indicating that such an event would occur. He emphasized that this risk was not identified in safety assessments, stating, “There was no prior indication that the incident would happen.”

Headteacher Joanne Blackham, reflecting on the incident, noted that the mudslide “came out of nowhere” and expressed the disbelief of the staff, saying, “We didn’t hear it, we couldn’t see it.” She added that previous excursions to the center had been without incident.

Speaking warmly about Leah, Blackham described her as a student with great character and resilience who was excited about the trip and eager to push her boundaries.

In statements provided during the inquest, pathologist Dr. Jennifer Bolton detailed that, while Leah did not inhale mud, her coat had pressed against her nose and mouth, leading to suffocation. Rescuers reported that only her legs were visible among the mud, and they faced challenges in retrieving her due to the conditions.

Dr. Bolton confirmed that Leah’s death resulted from “traumatic asphyxia,” noting that she had no underlying health issues. The Health and Safety Executive’s subsequent investigation concluded that no individuals or organizations were at fault for the incident.

Leah’s mother, Michelle Harrison, shared her memories of Leah, describing her as a “kind, loving, caring, considerate girl” with an infectious smile. She recalled her daughter’s excitement before the trip despite having recovered from an illness just prior to the event. Tragically, Michelle reflected on that last moment of dropping Leah off for school, noting, “That was the last time I saw my daughter alive.”

Source
people.com