10-Year-Old Girl Died After Being Dragged 20 Feet by Mudslide That ‘Came Out of Nowhere,’ Inquest Finds

10-Year-Old Girl Dies After Being Dragged 20 Feet by Mudslide, Inquest Reveals

A tragic incident has unfolded during a school trip at Carlton Adventure Centre, resulting in the untimely death of a 10-year-old girl. An inquest conducted following the heartbreaking event has shed light on the circumstances surrounding the devastating loss.

Leah Harrison, a student, met with a fatal accident when she was swept away by a mudslide at Carlton Bank on May 22, 2024. Reports indicate that Leah was participating in an instructor-led walk when the unexpected mudslide struck, dragging her 20 feet down a stream, ultimately leaving her trapped face-down in the mud.

The cause of Leah’s passing has been determined as accidental traumatic asphyxiation, as highlighted in reports from reputable UK news outlets such as The Times, Independent, and the BBC. The harrowing incident occurred while Leah and her peers from Mount Pleasant Primary School were on a residential trip at Carlton Adventure Centre on the edges of the North York Moors National Park.

In the wake of the tragedy, a jury inquest at Teesside Magistrates’ Court concluded that Leah’s death was indeed accidental. Details shared during the inquest revealed the desperate attempts to rescue Leah from the mud, with 30 mountain rescue workers mobilised in a valiant effort to save the young student. Despite their efforts, Leah was later pronounced dead at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.

Paul Godwin, the activities coordinator, testified during the inquest that the mudslide which led to Leah’s demise was unforeseeable and could not have been prevented. Reflecting on the incident, he expressed that there were no indicators suggesting such an event would occur and that the risk was entirely unanticipated and not accounted for in any risk assessment conducted.

The head teacher, Joanne Blackham, shared her shock at the sudden and unexpected nature of the mudslide, emphasising that it seemed to appear out of nowhere and swiftly took Leah away. She recounted that previous visits to the centre had been incident-free, underlining the unprecedented and tragic nature of the event that claimed Leah’s life.

As the community grapples with the loss of Leah Harrison, her mother Michelle has fondly remembered her as a kind and loving girl with an infectious smile. Michelle recounted the last moments she shared with her daughter, expressing how excited Leah was for the trip as she bid her goodbye, not knowing it would be their final farewell.

Pathologist Dr. Jennifer Bolton’s findings indicated that Leah’s cause of death was traumatic asphyxia, further noting the absence of any underlying natural disease. Additionally, an investigation conducted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in December 2024 found that no individual could be held accountable for the tragic incident.

The tragic passing of Leah Harrison serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictability of life and the importance of prioritising safety measures in all activities. While the community mourns the loss of a young life, the memories of Leah’s resilience and spirit will endure as a testament to her vibrant character and the impact she had on those around her.