Wayland, Mass. – A tragic accident at the YMCA’s Camp Chickami left an 8-year-old boy dead and a camp counselor with minor injuries on Tuesday morning. Fire and police officials said a large branch from a falling tree struck a second tree, creating a domino effect that sent the branch onto the campsite.
Details of the incident
According to Fire Chief Neil McPherson, the boy was hit by a large branch while a smaller branch injured the adult counselor. First responders arrived quickly, finding the child with life‑threatening injuries and the adult with less serious wounds. The boy was airlifted by medical helicopter to a nearby hospital, where he later was pronounced dead.
The counselor’s injuries were described as minor, and the adult has since been released from the hospital after treatment.
YMCA response
West Suburban YMCA President and CEO Jack Fucci announced that Camp Chickami will stay closed for the remainder of the week while families and staff process the loss. “The entire West Suburban YMCA family is grieving the loss of a young camper,” 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.”
Community reaction
Wayland officials also expressed condolences. Acting Police Chief Mark Hebert offered sincere thoughts and support to the family and friends affected. “Our Wayland community is grieving today, and thinking of those who lost so much as a result of this tragic accident,” Hebert said.
Chief McPherson added, “I encourage anyone who is experiencing overwhelming grief or anxiety to talk to someone, reach out for help, and remember that we are strongest when we stand together as a community.”
Looking ahead
The YMCA has not released details about the cause of the tree’s fall, but the incident underscores the importance of safety inspections at outdoor recreational sites. Parents and community members are urged to stay informed about any updates from the YMCA regarding future camp operations and safety measures.
As the Wayland community mourns, local churches and faith groups have offered prayers and support for the grieving family, reflecting the town’s strong tradition of faith‑centered compassion.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
