An eight-year-old boy died Tuesday morning after a tree fell on him at YMCA Camp Chickami in Wayland, Massachusetts. The child, identified as Mason Sundberg, was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital where he died from his injuries, according to reports from the Sudbury Police Department and WCVB.
The family of Mason Sundberg described him as a "goofy" and "fiercely loyal" friend in a statement released Thursday. They remembered him for his kindness, love, and smile, stating, "His brightness will be missed, but never forgotten to those who loved him." The statement also noted his enjoyment of video games, sushi, swimming, skiing, his dog River, and holiday celebrations. Mason Sundberg was a student at Loring Elementary School. His family's statement highlighted his love for drawing and creating stories with friends, always carrying a notebook.
The incident also injured a camp employee, who was treated for their injuries at a local hospital and subsequently released. The West Suburban YMCA, which operates Camp Chickami, issued a statement expressing grief over the camper's death and extending thoughts to his family. "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," said West Suburban YMCA President & CEO Jack Fucci.