An 8-year-old boy died after being hit by a falling tree at Camp Chickami in Wayland on Tuesday morning, the Wayland Police and Fire Departments announced Wednesday.
“I want to offer our sincere thoughts and support to the family and friends who are facing this tragic loss,” said Acting Police Chief Mark Hebert.
The camper, identified Wednesday as a Sudbury boy, “succumbed to his injuries” after being air lifted by medical helicopter to Massachusetts General Hospital with what officials called “life-threatening injuries” following the tragic Tuesday morning incident.
Local police and fire officials were called to the camp around 10:40 a.m. Tuesday, finding the child in critical condition, along with a adult counselor with less serious injuries.
Hebert told reporters Tuesday trees appeared to fall in a “domino effect,” with one large tree taking down another while campers were in the a wooded area. Both the camper and counselor were struck by branches, Hebert said.
The adult counselor was released from a local hospital as of Wednesday, officials said.
Camp Chickami, a YMCA day camp which supervises kids age 6 to 14, was closed following the incident and remained closed Wednesday, according to West Suburban YMCA President and CEO Jack Fucci.
The Wayland Police and Fire stated they “extend their sincerest condolences to the boy’s family, friends and community and are holding them in their thoughts at this difficult time.”
“Our Wayland community is grieving today, and thinking of those who lost so much as a result of this tragic accident,” said Fire Chief Neil McPherson. “I encourage anyone who is experiencing overwhelming grief or anxiety to talk to someone, reach out for help, and to remember that we are the strongest when we stand together as a community.”
Original article
Comments