Child Dies After Tree Falls at Massachusetts YMCA Summer Camp

A tree collapse at a Massachusetts summer camp claimed the life of an 8-year-old boy on Tuesday morning, authorities confirmed. The incident occurred at Camp Chickami, operated by the West Suburban YMCA in Wayland, and also resulted in injuries to an adult staff member, according to a joint statement from local fire and police departments.

Fire Chief Neil McPherson explained that a large tree fell and struck another tree in a domino effect, with a substantial branch striking the child. A smaller branch struck the adult counselor, who sustained less severe trauma. First responders arriving at the scene found a child in critical condition and an adult with non-life-threatening injuries.

Emergency personnel airlifted the boy by medical helicopter to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead from his injuries. The adult counselor, described by YMCA officials as suffering minor injuries, was discharged from the hospital after receiving treatment.

Camp Chickami will remain closed through the remainder of the week, West Suburban YMCA President and CEO Jack Fucci announced. The organization is providing grief counseling and support services to staff members, campers, and families affected by the tragedy.

Local officials extended condolences to the child’s family. Acting Police Chief Mark Hebert and Fire Chief McPherson both urged community members experiencing grief or anxiety to seek support and emphasized the importance of unity during the tragedy.