Inquest into death of Darlington girl during mudslide tragedy to be held this month

Leah Harrison, a year six pupil at Mount Pleasant Primary School, was on a trip to Carlton Adventure Centre in Carlton-In-Cleveland using a “popular” walking route when she was struck by a “freak” mudslide on May 22, 2024.

The group, who had recently finished their SATS exams, were on an instructor-led walk when the slide struck in foggy, misty and “hard” conditions making her rescue difficult.

Leah Harrison, 10. (Image: NORTH YORKSHIRE POLICE) Police, ambulance and mountain rescue worked for hours to save the “happy, bubbly, go-lucky” little girl but it was later confirmed she had passed away.

A two-day inquest examining the moments leading up to her death and to determine how she died will now take place at Teesside Magistrates’ Court on April 24 and 25.

Following the tragic incident last year, Leah’s family paid tribute to their much loved budding footballer, saying: “The beautiful smile, the giddy laugh, the silly jokes. You will never ever be forgotten baby girl.

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

A view of Carlton Bank near Carlton-in-Cleveland. (Image: PA) Chief Executive of the Lingfield Education Trust Nick Blackburn also issued a statement on behalf of the school, paying tribute to Leah, saying they were in a “state of shock”.

Mr Blackburn said: “Leah had her heart set on being a Lioness. She was a friendly, lovely and bubbly pupil at the school who was well-loved by her friends and the school community.

“We have layers of support here at the school, we have an in-school counsellor who is available for all children today.

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

Days after the incident, hundreds of families including Leah’s schoolfriends gathered at the playpark near Cocker Beck in Darlington at 4pm on May 27 to release balloons in her memory.

The balloon release for Leah Harrison. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Among the balloons part of the emotional tribute were some reading ‘10’, a reference to Leah’s age, and footballs for the wannabe England Lioness.

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

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In the months that followed, The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) also led a probe alongside North Yorkshire Police but concluded that no further action would be taken in relation to Leah’s death.

In December, a spokesperson said: “We have met the family of Leah Harrison to inform them that our investigation has concluded and we will take no further action.

“We carried out a thorough investigation and worked closely with North Yorkshire Police after the incident. Our thoughts remain with the family.”