Freak accident victim farewelled

Last updated 05:00 02/10/2012
Erena Louise Wilson
TRAGIC: Erena Louise Wilson.

Relevant offers

Louise Wilson, the Kiwi killed by a falling branch in London's Kew Gardens, will be farewelled in Auckland on Thursday.

The accounts manager was visiting the Royal Botanical Gardens in the city's south west with two friends last Sunday when a large branch crashed from a tree, killing her.

The 31-year-old's friends managed to flee to safety after looking up and seeing a 30cm thick branch from an 18 -metre-tall Lebanese cedar coming crashing down.

When they looked back they saw Wilson lying face down on the ground surrounded by branches.

Onlookers and paramedics were unable to save her because she died instantly from "non-survivable head injuries", West London Coroner's Court heard last week.

Wilson lived in Hanwell, west London and worked for a firm in nearby Southall.

The accident, which is being investigated by the Health and Safety Executive, happened while gusts of up to 50kmh swept across London.

Wilson's mother, Elizabeth, lives in Auckland.

A death notice said Wilson's "gentle caring nature touched so many hearts".

There will be an informal gathering in the Fountains Memorial Chapel, Papakura tomorrow from 5pm-6pm for friends and family to remember Wilson.

A service to farewell her will take place at the chapel at 11am on Thursday.

In lieu of flowers Wilson's family asked for donations to be made to the Auckland City Mission.

Ad Feedback

- © Fairfax NZ News

Special offers

Featured Promotions

Sponsored Content

News tip POINTER

Do you have an idea for a story? Email us or give us a call on 09 925 9700.