Family speaks out after 8-year-old boy struck, killed by fallen tree at YMCA camp
A mourning family is speaking out after an 8-year-old boy was hit and killed by a tree at a YMCA camp in Massachusetts, authorities said.
The little boy and an adult were struck by the falling tree on Tuesday morning at Camp Chickami in Wayland, a suburb of Boston, according to the Wayland Police Department and Wayland Fire Department.
The boy was taken by medical helicopter to Massachusetts General Hospital where he was later pronounced dead, the officials said. The injured adult was taken to a local hospital for treatment and has since been released, officials said.
The Sudbury Police Department identified the 8-year-old as Sudbury resident Mason Sundberg.
Mason was a beloved son, grandson, nephew and cousin who loved his family and his dog, River, "more than anything," Mason's family said in a statement released by the Sudbury police.
"Mason was funny, goofy and crazy in all the right ways; he will be remembered for singing and dancing around the house with a wide smile on his face and a skip in his step," the family said. "Mason loved video games, good sushi, swimming, skiing, running everywhere, and a good holiday celebration with over the top decorations. He loved to draw and build stories with his friends, a notebook in his bag everywhere he went. His brightness will be missed, but never forgotten."
The Sudbury Police Department said in a statement, "Words cannot fully express the sorrow so many are feeling, and we understand how difficult it can be to help children process the unimaginable loss of a friend or classmate."
"We are working closely with our partners at Sudbury Public Schools to provide support and resources to students, families, and community members as we navigate this difficult time together," the police department said.
"The entire West Suburban YMCA family is grieving," West Suburban YMCA President and CEO Jack Fucci said in a statement. "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."
The camp will be closed the rest of the week, Fucci said.
