Boy killed by falling tree was playing with friends

The family of a teenage boy who died after being hit by a falling tree said he was playing in a park with friends at the time, and that their lives had been shattered.

Brodan Dubickas, 15, died at the scene in Holmcroft Road, Stafford, on Saturday evening.

In a statement issued through Staffordshire Police, the family said he "lit up a room" and loved nothing more than playing pool competitively several nights a week, playing football and refereeing at weekends.

A fundraising page set up for the family has so far raised more than £20,000.

Broden was a "wonderful" older brother to three siblings and was always there for them, his family said.

He played pool at least four nights a week for the Luck Penny or Staffordshire Bull A teams and played football for Stafford Falcons, they added.

"As parents, our lives have been shattered and will never be the same.

"The pain is unbearable, and the hole that has been left can never be filled.

"His massive potential will now never be realised, and this is, in itself, a tragedy."

Tributes paid to Broden had been "vast and incredibly touching", which was a credit to him and showed the impact he had on people, the family added.

Broden's former school Tillington Manor Primary School had earlier paid tribute to him describing him as "a special young man" who was "kind-hearted, respectful and full of warmth".

Although he had moved on to become a Year 10 pupil at Sir Graham Balfour School, he would "always remain a valued part of our school family" and the primary school said it planned to honour him in the future.

"He approached school life with curiosity and determination, and his gentle nature and positive spirit left a lasting impression on both staff and pupils alike," head teacher Kelly Brockhurst said.

"It is incredibly difficult to comprehend that a life with so much promise has been cut so short, and our whole community is deeply saddened by this loss."

Paramedics, police and an air ambulance were called to the scene shortly before 18:30 BST and Staffordshire Police confirmed that unfortunately nothing could be done to save him.

Floral tributes were left at the scene over the weekend and among other tributes, Stafford Rangers FC described the death as "heartbreaking".

Stafford & District Sunday Football League Facebook group said all of their matches on Sunday would hold a one-minute silence before kick-off.

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