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An 8-year-old boy was tragically killed after a tree fell on multiple people Tuesday morning during summer camp at a YMCA facility in Massachusetts, officials said.
The incident, which also injured a camp counselor, happened at the YMCA’s Camp Chickami in Wayland, the fire and police departments said in a joint statement.
The boy was struck by a large branch when a tree fell and struck another tree, creating a domino effect, Fire Chief Neil McPherson said, according to MassLive. The adult victim was reportedly struck by a smaller branch.
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FILE – Massachusetts officials say an 8-year-old camper died after being struck by a falling tree at YMCA Camp Chickami in Wayland. (Ben McCanna/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images)
First responders rushed to the scene “to find a child suffering from life-threatening injuries and an adult suffering from less serious injuries,” officials said.
The child was then airlifted by medical helicopter but ultimately succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital, according to officials.
A YMCA representative told Digital that the adult victim suffered minor injuries and has since been released from the hospital following treatment.
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An entrance sign is posted in front of YMCA’s Camp Chickami. (Google Maps)
Following the incident, the camp will remain closed for the rest of the week, West Suburban YMCA President and CEO Jack Fucci said in a statement.
“The entire West Suburban YMCA family is grieving the loss of a young camper when a tree fell at Camp Chickami in Wayland on Tuesday,” he said. “We are keeping the camper’s family foremost in our thoughts at this extraordinarily difficult time. We are making grief counseling and other support resources available to camp staff, campers, and their families. “
Wayland officials also extended their condolences following the incident.
“I want to offer our sincere thoughts and support to the family and friends who are facing this tragic loss,” Acting Police Chief Mark Hebert said in a statement.
FILE – Camp Chickami closed for the rest of the week after a falling tree killed an 8-year-old boy and injured a counselor. (Ben McCanna/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images)
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“Our Wayland community is grieving today, and thinking of those who lost so much as a result of this tragic accident,” McPherson added. “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.”
