Latest news with #KendalRugbyUnionFootballClub
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Yahoo
Poppy Atkinson, 10, died from head injuries
A 10-year-old girl died from head injuries after being struck by a car during a football training session, an inquest has heard. The hearing into the death of Poppy Atkinson from Kendal opened earlier at Cockermouth Coroners' Court following the footballer's funeral on Monday. Acting senior coroner, Kirsty Gomersal, said the circumstances were "well publicised" and that Poppy was struck by a car at Kendal Rugby Union Football Club on 5 March. The hearing, which lasted for less than five minutes, was adjourned while the police investigation is ongoing, Ms Gomersal said. A 40-year-old man from Lancaster, arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, has been released under investigation. The inquest heard that Poppy's death was confirmed by paramedics at 17:12 GMT. Cumbria Police said that officers had responded to reports of two children being struck by a black BMW i40. No relatives were in court for the hearing, but they were represented by a solicitor. A second girl, aged eight and also from Kendal, was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries, police said. At the time, officers said there was "no indication to suggest that this incident was a deliberate act". Hundreds of people lined the streets of Kendal on Monday as Poppy's funeral took place. Mourners wore red clothing in memory of the Manchester United supporter, whose family had urged the community to create a "sea of love". An online fundraiser set up in her memory has exceeded £50,000 and will pay for a memorial as well as support grassroots football. Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas here. Mourners wear red in tribute to footballer Poppy Girl killed by car on pitch was 'force of nature' Man released in girl's pitch death investigation HM Courts & Tribunals Service


BBC News
25-03-2025
- BBC News
Poppy Atkinson died of head injuries after being hit by car
A 10-year-old girl died from head injuries after being struck by a car during a football training session, an inquest has hearing into the death of Poppy Atkinson from Kendal opened earlier at Cockermouth Coroners' Court following the footballer's funeral on senior coroner, Kirsty Gomersal, said the circumstances were "well publicised" and that Poppy was struck by a car at Kendal Rugby Union Football Club on 5 hearing, which lasted for less than five minutes, was adjourned while the police investigation is ongoing, Ms Gomersal said. A 40-year-old man from Lancaster, arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, has been released under investigation. The inquest heard that Poppy's death was confirmed by paramedics at 17:12 Police said that officers had responded to reports of two children being struck by a black BMW i40. No relatives were in court for the hearing, but they were represented by a solicitor.A second girl, aged eight and also from Kendal, was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries, police said. At the time, officers said there was "no indication to suggest that this incident was a deliberate act".Hundreds of people lined the streets of Kendal on Monday as Poppy's funeral took wore red clothing in memory of the Manchester United supporter, whose family had urged the community to create a "sea of love".An online fundraiser set up in her memory has exceeded £50,000 and will pay for a memorial as well as support grassroots football. Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas here.


The Independent
07-03-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Lionesses ‘devastated' at death of young footballer, 10, hit by car on sports pitch
The Lionesses have paid tribute after a young footballer was killed when a car ploughed through her training pitch where she was trying to realise her dreams of playing for Manchester United. Poppy Atkinson, 10, was killed by a car that smashed through a barrier and hit two girls at a football session at Kendal Rugby Union Football Club on Wednesday evening. In an emotional tribute, Poppy's family said she idolised England stars Ella Toone and Georgia Stanway, as well as Kobbie Mainoo in the men's team and Argentine Lionel Messi. Stanway, who is also from Cumbria, posted a tribute to Poppy on X, writing: 'Devastating. Sending all my love and condolences to the family and all affected.' The Bayern Munich player added: 'The football world will miss you Poppy. You will always play a special role.' Leah Williamson, captain of the Lionesses, posted on Instagram: 'Such tragic, tragic news! My thoughts are with family, friends and teammates. I can't begin to imagine your loss. RIP Poppy.' A second child, an eight-year-old girl also from Kendal, was taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries. Cumbria Constabulary said there is no indication to suggest that this collision was a deliberate act. A 40-year-old man from Lancaster arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving has been released from custody. He remains under investigation. Paying tribute to her, Poppy's family said: 'Poppy was the focal point of our lives, everything for us revolved around Poppy's love for football. Poppy touched so many lives, it was easy to see why, her energy, character, spirit and passion for football was infectious and touched huge numbers of people.' They added: 'The hole in our lives and so many around us that Poppy leaves is enormous, we will never be whole again. This world has lost a spirit like no other, she was a force of nature. She was so special, she was too good for this world.' An emotional video from March 2024 has since resurfaced on Instagram, showing one of her coaches urging a disappointed-looking Poppy not to be afraid to make mistakes on the pitch. In the viral clip Poppy, seemingly inspired by his speech, points to the back of her Lionel Messi strip and the coach said: 'Even Messi does it. The more comfortable you are making mistakes, the better player you're going to be.' Her beloved Manchester United also put out a statement responding to the tragedy: "On behalf of Ella, Kobbie and everyone at Manchester United, we send our heartfelt condolences to Poppy's family and friends for their devastating loss. Rest in peace Poppy." Poppy played for Kendal United's under 12 girls' team, and the club described her as "our much-loved player". "Poppy's love for football shone through to all who met her and she was an inspiration to her teammates," a spokesperson said.


Gulf News
05-03-2025
- Gulf News
Child dies, another injured after hit by car on sports pitch
The driver of the car was reported to be in his 40s and has been arrested Last updated: March 06, 2025 | 00:39 1 MIN READ Emergency services rushed to the Kendal Rugby Union Football Club in Cumbria after a collision involving a black BMW i40 car and two children on the pitch was reported. Kendal Rugby Union website A child has died and another was seriously injured after a car hit them on a sports pitch in Cumbria, near North West of England. Emergency services rushed to the Kendal Rugby Union Football Club in Cumbria after a collision involving a black BMW i40 car and two children on the pitch was reported. Cumbria Police confirmed one of the children had died and the second was being treated by paramedics. The driver of the car was reported to be in his 40s and has been arrested. Tragic loss Dr Stephen Green, chairman of Kendal Union Rugby Football club, said on Facebook: "We are deeply saddened to confirm that an incident occurred today resulting in a tragic loss of a child's life. "Our thoughts are with their family and friends and we kindly ask for privacy for all involved at this difficult time." He added that the club was cooperating with the investigation and all facilities would be closed while this was carried out. Posting on X, Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, said it was "devastating, utterly heartbreaking news". "I'm praying for the children and for their families and friends," he said. "Our community in Kendal is stunned and in mourning." Sign up for the Daily Briefing Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Yahoo
Child dies after being hit by car on sports pitch
A child has died after being hit by a car on a sports pitch. Emergency services attended Kendal Rugby Union Football Club in Cumbria just after 16:58 GMT to reports of a collision involving a car and two children on the pitch. Cumbria Police confirmed one of the children had died and the second was being treated by paramedics. The driver of the car, a man in his 40s, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. Police are treating it as an isolated incident and said there was no suggestion it was terror-related. The car involved was a black BMW i40. Specialist investigators are at the scene and the area has been cordoned off. Officers are asking any witnesses to get in touch. Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas here. Cumbria Police