Update on the inquest into the death of Leah Harrison, 10, of Darlington

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is now leading the investigation into the deaths of Leah Harrison, 10; a sixth grade student who died in a landslide on May 22nd.

Leah, a student at Mount Pleasant Primary School, was heading to Carlton Adventure Center on a “popular” walking route when the incident occurred.

(Image: NORTH YORKSHIRE POLICE) North Yorkshire Police were involved in the investigation, but today it was confirmed that HSE is now taking the lead.

A HSE spokesman said: “After working closely with North Yorkshire Police, we are now leading the investigation into the death of ten-year-old Leah Harrison on May 22, 2024.”

After her death, the family paid a heartbreaking tribute to young Leah, who wanted to become a lioness.

They said: “The beautiful smile, the boisterous laughter, the silly jokes. You will never be forgotten, little girl.”

“You will achieve your dream and become a Lionesses player. Spread your wings. May you rest in paradise.”

Nick Blackburn, chief executive of Lingfield Education Trust, also issued a statement on behalf of the school paying tribute to Leah and saying the trust was in a “state of shock”.

(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Mr Blackburn said: “Leah had a desire to be a lioness. She was a friendly, lovable and lively student at the school who was well-liked by her friends and the school community.

“We have a lot of support here at the school, we have an in-school counselor who is available to all children today.

“We are also working with a specialist trauma counselor for some of the students who were on the trip.”

Days later, at 4pm on May 27, hundreds of families, including Leah’s school friends, gathered at the playground near Cocker Beck in Darlington to release balloons in her memory.

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As an emotional tribute, colorful balloons floated in the sky above Darlington.

Among them were balloons marked “10,” a nod to Leah’s age, and soccer balls for would-be Lioness England.

There were tears and cheers as they were released after a short countdown.