Girl on hammock killed in Loudoun County by falling tree, officials say

PURCELLVILLE, Va. - A 7-year-old girl was killed and her 8-year-old cousin was injured when a tree fell on top of them while they were swinging in a hammock in Loudoun County, according to officials.

The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office said the two children were attending a family gathering at her grandparents' property in the 37800 block of St. Francis Court in Purcellville at around 6 p.m. on Saturday when the incident occurred.

Deputies said Sabina Surjit Henderson was swinging in a hammock with her cousin when a large elm tree that the hammock was fastened to fell over. We are told the tree was at least three-feet-wide in diameter, completely uprooted and ended up falling onto the children.

The property where it happened is Seven Elms Farm, an 1870s farmhouse now used as a bed and breakfast.

Henderson was airlifted to Inova Fairfax Hospital where she died from her injuries. Her cousin was transported to the hospital by ambulance. Her family said the 8-year-old boy suffered some internal injuries but is expected to survive.

Many members of Sabina Surjit Henderson's family witnessed the tragic incident. They said the 7-year-old was an angelic little girl who was incredibly smart and kind. She had just started second grade and was considered a gifted and talented student.

Henderson's family said the kids had been swinging in the hammock all day and never expected something like this.

Detectives said their preliminary investigation indicates the incident was a tragic accident.

A memorial for the 7-year-old girl is scheduled to be held this Friday near her home in Brambleton, according to the family.