A fundraiser has been launched in memory of a 15-year-old boy who tragically lost his life after being struck by a falling tree in a Stafford park. Brodan Dubickas, a former pupil of Tillington Manor Primary School and a Year 10 student at Sir Graham Balfour School, was killed in the incident at Holmcroft Park on Saturday evening (May 2).
Heartfelt Tribute from Former Headteacher
Kelly Brockhurst, Brodan’s headteacher at Tillington Manor, shared a moving tribute on social media, describing him as a 'truly special young man'. She said: 'It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I am writing to share the devastating news that Brodan Dubickas, a former pupil of Tillington Manor and now a Year 10 student at Sir Graham Balfour School, tragically lost his life in an accident at Holmcroft Park yesterday evening.'
Mrs Brockhurst continued: 'Brodan will be remembered so fondly by all who knew him. He was a truly special young man; kind-hearted, respectful and full of warmth. He approached school life with curiosity and determination, and his gentle nature and positive spirit left a lasting impression on both staff and pupils alike.'
Incident Details
The incident occurred at around 6.30pm on Saturday, when a tree fell and struck Brodan. Emergency services, including the Midlands Air Ambulance, were called to the scene. Despite their efforts, the teenager was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after 7.30pm.
A spokesperson for Staffordshire Police said: 'A teenage boy has sadly died after being injured by a fallen tree in Stafford. We were called to Holmcroft Road shortly after 6.30pm on Saturday after the incident was reported to us. Officers attended alongside paramedics from West Midlands Ambulance Service and the Midlands Air Ambulance. Tragically, nothing could be done to save the boy. His next of kin have been informed. A large cordon has been put in place, and we are advising people to avoid the area while we carry out our enquiries.'
Community Support and Fundraiser
A GoFundMe page has been set up by Kathryn Lockley to support Brodan's family, raising over £20,000. Mrs Lockley said: 'I am trying to raise funds for a local family who sadly lost their son, Brodan, aged 15, in a tragedy at our local park. The funds will hopefully give the family some support during this horrible time, whether it is helping towards funeral costs, their home while they have time off work together, or however they wish.'
She added: 'They are a wonderful family, hard-working and polite people. It has deeply saddened the whole community.'
School Support
Mrs Brockhurst assured that support services would be available at Tillington Manor Primary School for pupils affected by the tragedy. She said: 'We understand that this news will be upsetting, and we are here to support any children or families who may be affected. I have contacted the relevant support services who will be present at school on Tuesday for pupils who need this.'
The school plans to honour Brodan's memory in consultation with his family. Mrs Brockhurst concluded: 'Our heartfelt condolences go to Brodan’s parents, his family, his friends, and the wider community. They remain very much in our thoughts at this incredibly difficult time.'
