Girl, 7, killed in hammock after tree falls on her, officials say
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A girl was killed and her cousin was injured Saturday when a tree fell on top of them while they were swinging on a hammock at their grandparents’ Virginia home, officials said.
Sabina Surjit Henderson, 7, and her cousin were on the hammock about 6 p.m. when the elm tree the sling was fastened to fell on top of them, FOX5DC reported. Henderson was airlifted to the hospital where she later died.
Her 8-year-old cousin, who was not identified, was taken to the hospital and treated for internal injuries. He is expected to survive, FOX5DC reported.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The children were at the Virginia property for a family gathering and had been on the hammock all day, Henderson's family said. (FOX5DC)
The children were at the Seven Elms Farm in Purcellville for a family gathering and had been swinging on the hammock all day, Henderson’s family said.
Henderson had just started second grade before her death. A preliminary investigation indicated Henderson died in a “tragic accident.”
"Sabina was a smart, witty girl who loved to tell jokes and make other people laugh," the girl’s father, Ben Henderson, said in a statement to NBC Washington. "She was a powerful personality that lit up the room and was a memorable force for all those that met her. She was amazingly kind and thoughtful to her friends and family.”
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}“Sabina was genuinely and completely loved by all that knew her. Her loss tore a giant hole in our lives that will never be mended. We will never recover from this, we will only survive,” her father said.