Death at Woodlands

A 12-year-old girl has died after being hit by a rugby ball during a PE lesson Leonie Nice was at Woodlands Comprehensive School, Takely End, in Basildon, when the incident happened on Tuesday 13/3/12

Essex Police said the “girl was taken ill after being hit by a ball”.

Police said despite the efforts of school staff, paramedics and hospital staff, the girl died a short time later at Basildon Hospital.

Andy White, head teacher at the school, told gateway 97.8 “Leonie Nice, a year seven pupil, was catching a rugby ball in a PE lesson when she was hit in the chest by the ball.

“Leonie keeled over and appeared to go into a fit. Our trained first-aiders gave CPR at the scene and the ambulance arrived quickly.

“Leonie was taken by ambulance to Basildon Hospital where despite everyone’s best efforts, Leonie was pronounced dead.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time,” he said.

“Leonie was a promising, delightful and kind girl who will be greatly missed by all the staff and pupils of Woodlands School