Woman killed when tree fell on her in Blackburn park named as 'beloved wife'

The woman killed in front of two children when a tree branch fellon her this week has been identified.

Madia Kauser, from Blackburn, has been named as the woman who died yesterday after the freak accident at Witton Country Park in Blackburn around 8.30pm on Monday. She is understood to have been walking with her two children at the time of the tragedy.

Madia's death was announced by a local funeral director. The local Muslim community is said to be holding prayers for Madia today. In a statement, Funeral Director Fahid Abbas wrote: "It is with a heavy heart to inform you that Madia Kauser, beloved daughter [...], beloved sister [...] and beloved wife [...] sadly departed from this temporary abode, of [...] Blackburn."

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Her brother also took to social media to express his grief, saying: "My beautiful sister has been called back to our Creator." He also asked for the community to pray for her.

In another tribute, Shabana Imran said: "Absolutely sad, such a young soul gone too soon, thinking about her kids and husband, may Allah swt grant you a place in Jannat, you was a lovely person Madia."

Ann Harwood wrote "R.I.P Maddie x God bless", and Vicky Innes wrote: "Rip maddie" and Alan Duckworth penned "Heartbreaking. That poor child too. Condolences to her family and friends."

Modele Sarah sent their condolences to the family, saying: "Absolutely heartbreaking. I honestly can’t even believe what I read. This poor child so sorry sorry. I send love to family and strength."

And another social media user said: "How devastating. Love goes out to all the family" while Jemma Louise Holden added: "Omg this is horrific rip and my sincere condolences to the young women’s family and her poor child that witnessed this."

Facebook group Blackburn Muslim posted a notice of condolences about Madia’s death saying: "Please keep this mother and her young children in your prayers. May Allah give them Sabrun Jameel. Condolences can be paid to the family at Madina Masjid on Oak St from 11am."

Emergency responders rushed to the park and found Madia unresponsive and she was pronounced dead at the scene. Several of her relatives had arrived in the area shortly after the tragedy. Blackburn with Darwen Council set up a cordon and quickly felled the beech tree from which the branch fell.

A council statement said: “Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is deeply saddened to confirm that a member of the public has tragically died following an incident in Witton Park yesterday, when a large tree branch fell.”

Denise Park, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council’s chief executive, said: “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the family and friends of the person who has lost their life at this very difficult time. Emergency services, including paramedics and the air ambulance, attended the scene. Council staff also supported by cordoning off the area to ensure public safety.

“As part of precautionary safety measures, the tree involved was being felled this morning. Witton Park is a much-loved community space, and the safety of everyone who visits is of the utmost importance to us.

“A cordon was put in place in the park, from the Buncer Lane entrance at Big Clover Wood through to the Pavilion Café. While this work is carried out, we ask visitors to respect the cordons and follow the advice of staff on site.

“We know this news will be deeply upsetting for many in our community. Our thoughts remain first and foremost with the family at this very sad time.”

A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said the death was not being treated as suspicious and a file would be prepared for the coroner.