Ben Craggs’s portrait

Ben Craggs

  • Died Jun 19, 2008
  • County Durham, United Kingdom
This tribute is in memory of a three year old boy who was tragically taken away from this world. Lets pay our respects during this difficult time for little Ben's family.
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About

Little Boy Lost

The family of a three year old boy killed when a concrete bollard toppled onto him at the Royal Highland Show have spoken of their devastation.

Benn Craggs is thought to have been swinging on a chain between two bollards in a car park when one fell and struck him on the head.

He was taken to hospital with serious injuries but died a short time later and a post mortem is to be held.

Ben, an only child, was with his parents Jonathan Craggs, 47, and Dawn Surtees, 42, on the opening day of Scotland's top agricultural show near Edinburgh.

The couple, who run a farm and bed and breakfast business in Sedgefield, Co Durham, were exhibiting beef cattle at the event.

Jonathan would have had his fourth birthday next week and his mother had bought him his uniform and he was looking forward to starting school in September,

Mr Cragg's mother Barbara Irvine, 70, a retired farmer, said it will be difficult to imagine life without the grandson with a cheeky smile who she called "my little cherub".

She said: "I've spoken to Jonathan and he is devastated. They said Ben died instantly so that is some relief. It is tragic.

"Ben was such a lively and boisterous little boy. Before the family went up to the show, we had a barbecue and Ben parked His toy tractor and trailer and said to me 'Leave that there Granny and I'll Come collect it'. I still haven't moved it yet."

Mrs Irvine said Ben was a regular with his parents at agricultural shows and enjoyed the outdoor and farming life.

She said: "We can't understand why this has happened. The bollard shouldn't have tipped over.

"Children shouldn't have had access to an area where this could have happened. It remains to be seen whether it was just a tragic accident."

Lothian and Borders Police, who are investigating Ben's death, have urged witnesses to come forward.

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Memories

With much love

Teresa (Jun 30, 2008)

I am truly sorry for your loss. I will say a prayer for all the families who've lost little ones. As a mother, I don't know that pain but as a grandmother, I truly know thet pain. I lost two of my grandchildren within three months of each other in 2006. Your little angel is beautiful and as long as he is in your hearts and on your mind he will never truly be gone. God bless you all.

My Memory

Vanessa Wessels (Jun 30, 2008)

He has such a beautiful face, your son!

My heart goes out to the whole family.

My Ben., from the heart of his grandad John.

john jenkinson (Jun 29, 2008)

It is so nice to know that others all over the world care and yes there are some good people in this world, my wife who is Bens Nana and myself plus my other two daughters and the rest of the grandchildren (4) will go to the grave today which is a 45 min drive and we will try to explain what happened to their youngest cousin as they are very young also, therefore we have done our grieving early this morning as we hope not to disturb their little minds as they dont really understand what has happened to our little Ben but i am afraid my personal grieving and the rest of the families is incomplete and i am finding it hard to come to terms with this senseless death of a baby of such tender years 3.yrs11 months, is there any justice in this world for to take the life of someone so young who has not started on lifes path. May god look over you my son for the love we have for you is deep within my heart and Nanas. Yours in distress at this time. Grandad.

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  • In what other country could you imagine Ben Craggs living?