A 4-year-old boy died on July 5, 2025, while visiting a cemetery in England. The unidentified child was at Rawtenstall Cemetery in Haslingden, Rossendale, when a gravestone reportedly fell on him. Crews rushed to the scene and did their best to save him, but tragically, he succumbed to his injuries.
Lancashire Police confirmed the child’s death to People. “Tragically, and despite the best efforts of the emergency services, the boy sadly died,” police shared. “Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this devastating time.”
Police said they do not suspect foul play but believe it was just an unfortunate accident. “His death is not being treated as suspicious, and a file will be passed onto HM Coroner in due course,” police noted in the statement.
According to ITV, Rossendale Borough Council operates Rawtenstall Cemetery. The incident remains under investigation. Rossendale Borough Council shared a statement about the accident on Facebook.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of a young child at Rawtenstall Cemetery today. Our thoughts are with the family at this devastating time,” the statement reads. “Rossendale Borough Council is working with all relevant agencies to understand the circumstances of this incident.”
Many people shared their outrage that a child died in such a horrific way.
“This is unbelievably sad, the child is the same age as my little boy and attended the same nursery my heart hurts for their family, and it could have also been preventable,” someone wrote on Facebook. “So maybe this tragedy will make you do something about those head stones that are loose they are so dangerous and heavy and it needs looking into asap!”
“Does it really take the tragic loss of a child to prompt proper maintenance of areas that pose clear safety risks? This is simply unacceptable,” another person commented. “We all pay council tax with the expectation that public spaces are kept safe, so where is that money going? This situation demands accountability and immediate change.”
“I know the government pay for children’s funerals, but you should be offering every gratitude towards the family as well as a sum of money – although it won’t change the tragedy , it’s something,” a follower suggested. “This is horrible news for everyone involved as well as the wider community and it shouldn’t have had to happen for something to be done about the headstones.”
