Boy killed by falling tree at Melrose, Massachusetts playground spent “last moments laughing and playing tag”
By Louisa Moller
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MELROSE, Massachusetts (WBZ) — A nine-year-old boy who was hit by a large falling tree at a school playground in Melrose, Massachusetts has died. His family said he “spent his last moments laughing and playing tag.”
The child, identified by his family as Zakaria Bel Qaid, was one of three people who were hurt when the tree fell on the playground at the Winthrop Elementary School Monday afternoon, just moments after school was let out for the day. Zakaria, another child and an adult were rushed to the hospital in ambulances. In a joint statement Tuesday, Melrose Mayor Jen Grigoraitis and Superintendent of Schools Cari Berman said Zakaria was “severely injured” and passed away.
“There are no words to convey such a profound loss. Our hearts are and will remain with the student’s family, friends, classmates who are navigating this unimaginable tragedy,” the mayor and superintendent said.
Authorities did not release the boy’s name. His family identified him on social media Tuesday night.
“He spent his last moments laughing and playing tag with his little sister and her friend,” Zakaria’s family wrote on Instagram.
“Zakaria had such a bright future that was cut way too short at just 9 years old. He just had his birthday last week and was excited that he would be a double high five next year,” the family said.
“He was fun and incredibly loving, loyal, determined, confident, silly, stubborn and the very best mama’s boy. He loved to ski so much – it was absolutely everything to him and I’m so glad he had the best winter ever. Thank you to everyone that loved him. This is an incomprehensible loss.” The other two people who were hurt were treated and released from the hospital. Their names have not been made public. The school was open Tuesday and counseling was available for students and staff.
The exact reason the tree fell is under investigation, but some said it was gusty at the time.
“It was after school; kids were playing on the playground as they usually do,” said Nancy Clover of Melrose. “The wind picked up and a tree fell.” The trunk of the tree fell through a chain link fence and onto the playground. Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan was at the scene Monday night as police sealed off the area. On Tuesday, people left flowers at the playground to honor Zakaria.
The tree was on the property of the Upham House, a historic home in Melrose. Eda George, the president of the Upham Family Society, said an arborist was at the property very recently, and the tree that fell was not identified as a hazard.
“I can confirm that The Board of Directors authorized that the property be examined by a certified arborist. Then we sought out estimates for the trees needed to be removed,” George said. “The tree removal was performed last Friday. The tree that fell over in the wind gust was not identified as a tree at risk for falling.”
Selwyn Palmer, 90, is a former crossing guard at the school He’s lived in the neighborhood for more than 50 years.
“I can’t imagine, little kid like that. It’s going to be sad for all the kids. They put so much money into that play yard for the kids,” he told WBZ-TV Tuesday. “It’s fenced in. The kids are safe. They’ve done so much work to keep the children safe. It’s a freak accident.”
Melrose, Massachusetts is about 10 miles north of Boston.
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