3-year-old girl killed after trampoline went airborne in freak gust of wind

A 3-year-old girl died after she was hurled from a trampoline that went airborne when a “freak gust” of wind swept through her backyard in England last month, according to a report.Felicity Keepin was playing outside at her Longney home on May 10 when a “mini tornado” lifted the netted trampoline over a hedge and into a nearby field, where she was launched a considerable distance, officials and witnesses testified during a hearing Thursday, the BBC reported.“I was cutting the grass hedge when I heard a noise which sounded like a freight train,” neighbor Adam Nash told the Gloucestershire Coroners’ Court in a statement.

“I saw a mini tornado crossing the road, about seven-eight meters in width, which left a mark in the hedge.”The toddler was airlifted to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, where she died a week later on May 17.Assistant Gloucestershire coroner Roland Wooderson ruled the death an accident and described the horrific incident as “every parent’s worst nightmare,” the outlet reported.

“Felicity was under the careful supervision of her mother, but this was an extraordinary, tragic and unforeseen accident,” he said during the inquest, noting that the 12-foot trampoline the grieving family had purchased a week prior to the fatal mishap was not anchored down.“Completely out of the blue a freak gust of wind took the trampoline high into the air and over the hedge.

And I don’t use that expression ‘freak gust’ lightly.”Wooderson said anchoring the trampoline may not have made a difference, but advised users to follow the manufacturer’s instructions upon purchase.“The public really do need to know the danger associated with these trampolines,” he added.The youngster, who had a brother named Jack, was described by her heartbroken family as a “treasured daughter” and a beloved sister and granddaughter, according to her obituary.

The tot’s funeral was held Thursday morning, with attendees asked to wear somethin...