A 10-year-old girl who was swept away by a mudslide during a school trip in England died of traumatic asphyxiation, according to an inquest.
Leah Harrison was crossing a stream at Carlton Adventure Centre on May 22, 2024, when a mudslide struck and dragged her 20 feet down the stream, leaving her face down in the mud, according to UK newspapers The Times, Independent, and BBC.
According to the outlets, following a day-long hearing, a jury inquest at Teesside Magistrates’ Court ruled that the child’s death was accidental.
Harrison was reportedly participating in an instructor-led walk at Carlton Bank, on the outskirts of the North York Moors National Park, when the tragic accident occurred. She and her classmates from Mount Pleasant Primary School were on a three-day residential trip.
According to The Independent, Paul Appleton, the area’s assistant coroner, stated at the start of the inquest that Leah was “submerged in thick mud” during the accident and that initial attempts to free her from the mud were unsuccessful.
A team of 30 mountain rescue workers attempted to save the student, but Harrison was later pronounced dead at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.
Activities coordinator Paul Godwin told the inquest that the mudslide that killed Harrison “could not have been predicted and could not have been avoided,” according to the BBC.
He stated that there was “no prior indication” that the incident would occur, and that the risk was “totally unforeseen” and would not have been included in a risk assessment.
“I had seen these conditions numerous times, so it was of no concern. It is my opinion that what happened to Leah on that particular day, during that specific activity, could not have been predicted or avoided,” he told The Times. “There was no difference in conditions from identical times this activity has been carried out safely.”
Joanne Blackham, the head teacher, also told the inquest that the mudslide “came out of nowhere” and “just took [Leah] away,” adding, “We didn’t hear it, we couldn’t see it.” According to the outlet, she stated that during previous visits to the center, “not a single broken toe” had occurred.
When asked about Harrison, Blackman said she was “really impressed with her resilience and her character,” adding that the student was “absolutely loving the time at Carlton — she really pushed herself out of her comfort zone.”
PEOPLE have contacted Teesside Magistrates’ Court, Carlton Adventure Centre, Mount Pleasant Primary School, and the Cleveland Mountain Rescue Team for comments.
According to pathologist Dr. Jennifer Bolton, Harrison was suffocated by her coat being pressed against her nose and mouth, not because she inhaled the mud.
Daniel Slane of the Cleveland Mountain Rescue Team reportedly told the court that only Harrison’s legs were visible and that emergency services had told him she was unlikely to survive due to the length of time she was trapped.
Appleton read Slane’s statement and said, “He says Leah was completely buried from her thighs to her head in thick, wet mud.” Dr Slane confirms that Leah was eventually recovered from the mud. He claims that the recovery process involved digging through the mud and using ropes.
According to the BBC, Dr. Bolton stated that Harrison died from “traumatic asphyxia” rather than “natural disease.”
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)’s two-month investigation in December 2024 also reportedly found that no one was to blame.
Harrison was “a kind, loving, caring, considerate girl” with “the most gorgeous, infectious smile,” according to her mother, Michelle.
“Leah was suffering from tonsillitis prior to the tragic accident on May 22.” “I wasn’t sure if I should let her go because she was sick, but she seemed to improve by the afternoon,” she told The Independent.
Michelle stated that her daughter was “so excited” to go on the trip while dropping her off at school. “I gave her a huge kiss and cuddle and told her to have a great time. “That was the last time I saw my daughter alive,” she explained.
