Crime & Safety
Boy Dies After Tree Falls At MA Summer Camp
The child succumbed to life-threatening injuries when a tree fell in Wayland this week.
WAYLAND, MA — An 8-year-old Sudbury boy succumbed to life-threatening injuries when a tree fell at a Wayland summer camp on Tuesday, police and fire officials announced Wednesday.
Wayland police and firefighters were called to Camp Chickami, 139 Boston Post Road, at about 10:40 a.m. Tuesday, following a report that people had been struck by a tree.
First responders found the child suffering from life-threatening injuries and an adult with less serious injuries, officials said.
The boy was taken by a Wayland Fire Department ambulance to a landing zone at Wayland Town Hall, then flown by medical helicopter to Massachusetts General Hospital. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital, officials said.
The adult was taken to a local hospital by a Weston Fire Department ambulance and has since been released.
Officials did not release the boy's name.
Camp Chickami is a YMCA day camp on wooded property bordering conservation land. The camp serves children entering grades one through 10 and had a session scheduled from Aug. 17 through Aug. 21, according to the YMCA.
"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.
Fire Chief Neil McPherson said the Wayland community was grieving following the boy's death.
"Our Wayland community is grieving today, and thinking of those who lost so much as a result of this tragic accident," McPherson said. "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."
This comes months after a child in Melrose died after a large tree fell on a playground structure at an elementary school.
The incident at Winthrop Elementary School took place in early May. Two other people, a child and an adult, were also hurt, but were released and have since recovered.
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