Tears for girl, 13, crushed to death by a falling branch as she sat on park bench

A schoolgirl has been killed by a falling branch as she chatted with friends on a park bench.

Sophie Howard, 13, was sitting in the park when the group heard a crack ‘like thunder’. But although one of her friends was able to warn others to move, Sophie could not get away in time and was crushed by the 15ft branch. Two off-duty doctors from a nearby GP practice ran to Middletons Road recreation ground in Peterborough, just half a mile from Sophie’s home, to help her, along with paramedics. The teenager’s parents Martin, 49, and Laura, were called to the scene, according to a witness. ‘The mother fell on the floor in despair. The doctors tried to resuscitate Sophie for at least 20 minutes. ‘I heard she was sat on the bench with some friends. They heard a loud noise, like thunder, and one told the others to move, but Sophie couldn’t move fast enough.’ The teenager was later pronounced dead in hospital. Sophie, who has a twin brother, Elliott, was a pupil at Sawtry Community College, in Huntingdon. She was off school on Thursday afternoon, when the accident happened, as the teachers’ strike over pensions meant lessons were cancelled. Yesterday, her family said in a statement: ‘Sophie was a beautiful girl who had so many friends and we will miss her with all our heart. ‘She was enthusiastic at school and liked English. She loved music, especially JLS and Jessie J. ‘She was an excellent runner and enjoyed running the Race For Life for charity. ‘She was a typical girlie girl and loved socialising, make-up and fashion. Her friends were very important to her. Sophie’s twin brother is also suffering greatly.’ 'We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our friends and family for their support at this difficult time. Sophie has a twin brother who is also suffering greatly. 'Our beloved daughter's death was a tragic incident, which occurred only 24 hours ago, and we do not want it to be connected to any other events. 'We politely ask that our privacy be respected at this time and we will not be issuing anything further