Tributes have been paid to a 'truly special' teenager who was killed after being struck by a falling tree in a park on Saturday. The schoolboy was named on Sunday as 15-year-old Brodan Dubickas, who was described as 'kind-hearted, respectful and full of warmth'.
Emergency services were called to Holmcroft Road in the Holmcroft area of Stafford, Staffordshire, on Saturday at 6.30pm following reports of the incident. Despite the combined efforts of paramedics from West Midlands Ambulance Service and Midlands Air Ambulance, Brodan could not be saved. The teenager was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after 7.30pm.
Funds are now being raised via GoFundMe for Brodan's family, set up by close friends, in attempts to help the family after the tragedy. Brodan's primary school, Tillington Manor, shared the news of his death on Sunday in a social media post, saying: 'It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I am writing to share the devastating news that Brodan Dubickas, a former pupil of Tillington Manor and now a Year 10 student at Sir Graham Balfour School, tragically lost his life in an accident at Holmcroft Park yesterday evening.'
The post, written by headteacher Mrs Brockhurst, added Brodan will be 'remembered fondly' as a 'truly special young man; kind-hearted, respectful and full of warmth'. Alongside a photograph of Brodan wearing a Stafford Falcons Football Club shirt, it continued: '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. 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... Our heartfelt condolences go to Brodan's parents, his family, his friends, and the wider community. They remain very much in our thoughts at this incredibly difficult time.'
The post received numerous comments of condolence to Brodan's family and friends. One read: 'So very sorry to hear this, may Brodan Rest in Peace, heartfelt condolences to Brodan's family and friends. RIP young man.' Another: 'RIP so sad and so young to lose his life my thoughts goes out to his family and friends at this sad time.'
Brodan's team, Stafford Falcons Football Club, also paid tribute to the teenager, after being 'saddened' to be told of his 'tragic death'. He was described as an 'important part' of the club for 'several seasons', while being 'an up and coming League referee, officiating at our mini soccer centres'. It continued: 'On behalf of the League Committee and all our member clubs, we send our deepest sympathies to Brodan's family and friends and to all at Stafford Falcons at this difficult time. Brodan will never be forgotten by his football family. Sleep well Brodan x'
The GoFundMe page, with a target of £28,000, read: 'I am trying to raise funds for a local family, who sadly on the 2nd May lost their son - Brodan, aged 15 as a tragedy happened at our local park. The funds will hopefully give the family some support during this horrible time, whether it is helping towards funeral costs, their home whilst they have time off work together or however they wish. They're a wonderful family, hard working and polite people. It has deeply saddened the whole Community. I know this family, as my own children are friends with Brodan's siblings. Which has made myself and the mother friends.'
A spokesperson for Staffordshire Police said on Saturday: 'A teenage boy has sadly died after being injured by a fallen tree in Stafford. We were called to Holmcroft Road shortly after the incident was reported to us. Officers went to the scene alongside paramedics from West Midlands Ambulance Service and Midlands Air Ambulance. Tragically, nothing could be done to save the boy. He was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after 7.30pm. His next of kin have been informed. A large cordon has been put in place and we're advising people to avoid the area while we carry out our enquiries.'
