An 8-year-old boy has died after he was struck by a falling tree at a summer camp in Massachusetts earlier this week, authorities said.
Fire crews and police were dispatched to the camp around 10:40 a.m. after receiving a report that multiple people had been struck by a tree, the press release states.
Officials said an adult counselor also suffered "less serious injuries" during the incident. The camp counselor was taken to a local hospital and has since been released.
"Mason left us yesterday, but his kindness, love and smile never will," his family penned, describing him as "a fiercely loyal, loving and emphatic friend to old friends and new."
"A perfect son, grandson, nephew and cousin—he loved his family more than anything (and his dog River)," his family added. "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 investigation into the incident remains ongoing. Officials have not provided any additional details about what may have caused the tree to fall. However, Wayland Acting Police Chief Mark Hebert told reporters that the large tree brought down another tree when it fell, creating a domino effect.
Speaking with reporters, McPherson praised camp staff for their initial response and the care they provided the boy before emergency crews arrived at the scene.
"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."
"We are providing support services to other campers and staff who were present during this accident, and will keep our camp community fully informed," Fucci said.