Girl, 9, dies after falling out of tree

A 9-year-old girl who died after falling out of a tree on a Taupo¯ property has been described as “an amazing young girl”.

The accident happened on October 5 and the girl was flown to Waikato Hospital by rescue helicopter. The next day she was flown to Auckland’s Starship children’s hospital where she died from her injuries on October 20.

Wairakei Primary School, where the girl was a pupil, last month held a day of celebration for her life.

A friend of the family at the memorial said the celebration was attended by a huge number of people including family, friends, teachers, classmates and members of the community.

“All of whom are blessed to know such an amazing young girl,” they said.

The family expressed gratitude to the rescue chopper crews, medics and hospital staff as well as teachers and students at the school, saying they were “extremely grateful for and humbled by the caring support that has been shown the family while they are dealing with this tragedy”.

The Herald on Sunday understands the girl, who had an older sister, fell while climbing on a farm just outside the Taupo¯ town boundary.

The Ministry of Education would not confirm if it was providing support for the Wairakei school community, or the family concerned.

“Our thoughts are with the family and school community.

“Out of respect for the family we will decline to comment,” Ministry of Education deputy secretary of enablement and support Coralanne Child said.

Police confirmed the 9-year-old’s death has been referred to the coroner.