Tributes paid to 'beautiful' young woman, 18, allegedly killed after being hit by teenagers in stolen digger

By JAMES FIELDING, SENIOR REPORTER and MARK DUELL, DEPUTY CHIEF REPORTER (DIGITAL) Published: 21:58, 20 June 2026 | Updated: 21:59, 20 June 2026 Tributes have been paid to a ‘beautiful’ young woman allegedly killed by a stolen digger that was driven by teenagers at a seaside park. Tallulah Bradford died yesterday, six days after being hit by a loading vehicle at Chalkwell Park in Southend-on-Sea, Essex. The 18-year-old suffered serious injuries in the early hours of last Saturday and was taken to the hospital by paramedics after the incident.  Yesterday, Essex Police confirmed she had died and that police officers were supporting her family as a probe remains ongoing.  An 18-year-old man from Westcliff and a 17-year-old boy were both arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and bailed until September.  Friends of the family have raised more than £16,000 for Tallulah’s heartbroken mother Jayde after an online fundraising appeal. One tribute read: ‘Tallulah was deeply loved, and she will never be forgotten. ‘It is with broken hearts that we come together to support Jayde and her son, Lennon and their family as they face the unimaginable loss of their beloved Tallulah following a tragic accident. ‘Tallulah was Jayde’s princess, her world, and the light of her life. She was a beautiful soul with a smile that could brighten even the darkest days. ‘Full of love, laughter, and kindness, Tallulah touched the lives of everyone who knew her. She brought so much joy to her family and friends, and her memory will be cherished forever. ‘Her beautiful spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone who knew her, especially in the hearts of her mum Jayde, and her brother, Lennon and her grandparents, aunties and uncles.’ It comes after the force responded to reports that a 'group of people had taken unauthorised control of a small articulated loading vehicle', at around 12.30am.  Tallulah Bradford died yesterday, six days after being hit by a loading vehicle at Chalkwell Park in Southend-on-Sea, Essex The 18-year-old suffered serious injured in the early hours of last Saturday and was taken to the hospital by paramedics after the incident An 18-year-old man from Westcliff and a 17-year-old boy were both arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and bailed until September (Pictured: The scene on June 13 at Chalkwell Park in Southend-on-Sea, Essex) Detectives have urged more witnesses to come forward with any possible information they may have as there were 'a large number of young people in the area at the time'. Anyone with any details, CCTV, dashcam or other footage from the incident was urged to get in contact with police and quote incident 39 of June 13. Chalkwell Park is the same location where seven-year-old girl Leonna Ruka died and four other children were injured when a tree collapsed on June 28 last year. The girl from Dagenham had been visiting family in the area on the day of the incident and was enjoying the warm summer weather when the tragedy happened. She died despite members of the public rushing to try to lift the tree and the efforts of the emergency services shortly afterwards.  Leonna's family later said in a statement that she was a 'beautiful, bright, and loving little girl, taken from us far too soon'. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.