Poppy Atkinson died after being hit by a car on a rugby pitch, with an eight-year-old girl also injured in the collision
Poppy Atkinson, 10, died after being hit by a car on a rugby pitch(Image: Family handout)
A 10-year-old girl who died after a collision with a car on a rugby pitch has been named as Poppy Atkinson. Poppy died following the incident at Kendal Rugby Club in Cumbria on the evening of March 5.
An eight-year-old girl, who has not been named, was also injured in the incident and is being treated for her injuries.
Police have arrested a 40-year-old man from Lancaster on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. They said that at present there was “no indication to suggest that this incident was a deliberate act”.
Poppy’s family have described her as a “force of nature”, and said that she had ambitions to one day play for Manchester United.
In a statement, the family said: “Many who know her, and who know her determination to improve and win, had no doubt she would achieve her goal to one day to play for Manchester United.”
“She was a force of nature. She was so special, she was too good for this world.
Kendal Rugby Club(Image: Google Maps)
“Poppy touched so many lives, it was easy to see why, her energy, character, spirit and passion for football was infectious and touched huge numbers of people.”
A coach at Kendal United, who did not wish to be named, was among those who paid tribute to Poppy.
“It’s just a tragedy, it’s absolutely shocking, this shouldn’t happen, kids have just come to play a game of football,” he said.
“I know a lot of the kids that come here, I know a lot of the coaches. I spoke to one or two last night, they are devastated, absolutely devastated.
“You bring your kids down here to have a game of football and training, that’s what you do. You don’t expect anything like this to happen. It’s obviously a tragic, tragic thing. Horrendous.
“The amount of children who would have been here last night who witnessed it, the trauma they probably will go through, you can’t even bear to think what they are going through. Just awful.
“My heart goes out to the coaches, the kids and the families.”
In a joint statement, the mayor of Kendal, Jonathan Cornthwaite, and fellow Westmorland and Furness councillor Shirley Evans, said: “We are devastated by this event and our hearts go out to all of those affected, from the families involved to those who witnessed this horrific event.
“I know we speak on behalf of the community when we say how shocked and distressed everyone is by this tragic incident and our thoughts are with all those affected, especially the families, at this sad time.
“We also want to thank everyone who responded so quickly, from the paramedics to the police.”
Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, posted on X about the tragedy, writing: “This is devastating, utterly heartbreaking news,” he posted on X.
“I’m praying for the children and for their families and friends. Our community in Kendal is stunned and in mourning.”
Cumbria Constabulary have said that an investigation is now underway into the tragedy.
In a statement, Cumbria Constabulary said: “At this time, there is no indication to suggest that this incident was a deliberate act.
“Investigative inquiries are continuing to establish the full circumstances of this incident and to inform a future coronial process.
“A multi-agency response will continue today to support people affected by this incident.”
Anyone who directly witnessed the collision should contact police by reporting online at www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it, quoting incident number 195 of March 5, or by calling 101.
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