An 8-year-old Massachusetts boy has died after being struck by a falling tree while attending a summer day camp in Wayland, leaving his family, friends, camp staff, and the wider community grieving the loss of a child remembered for his kindness, humor, creativity, and love of life.
Mason Sundberg was attending YMCA Camp Chickami on Tuesday morning when a tree fell and struck him, according to the Sudbury Police Department. The impact left the child critically injured, and he was transported by air to Massachusetts General Hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite efforts to save him, Mason later died from the injuries he sustained in the incident. His death has left his family facing the devastating loss of a young child whose life was filled with interests, friendships, and the everyday experiences that made him special to those closest to him.
A camp employee was also injured when the tree fell. The employee was transported to a local hospital for treatment and was later released, according to authorities.
In a statement released Thursday through police, Mason’s family shared memories of the boy they described as fiercely loyal, loving, empathetic, and full of personality. They said his kindness, love, and smile would continue to live on in the memories of everyone who knew him.
The family remembered Mason as a child who could bring energy and laughter into a room. They described him as funny, goofy, and adventurous, recalling how he would sing and dance around the house with a huge smile and a noticeable enthusiasm for life.
Mason had many interests that reflected his personality and curiosity. His family said he loved video games, sushi, swimming, and skiing. He was especially devoted to his golden retriever, River, and enjoyed running almost everywhere he went.
He also loved holidays and reportedly took great pleasure in celebrating them with elaborate decorations. For his family, those seemingly simple traditions now carry an even greater emotional significance as they remember the happiness he brought into their home.
Mason was also creative and enjoyed drawing and creating stories with his friends. His family said he often carried a notebook in his bag, reflecting his imagination and his desire to turn ideas into drawings and stories.
Those close to Mason said his personality was defined by warmth and genuine empathy. He was described as someone who cared deeply about both longtime friends and people he was just getting to know.
In remembering their son, Mason’s family said that although his physical presence is gone, the brightness he brought into their lives will remain. They expressed hope that the people who loved him will continue carrying his memory forward.
The tragedy has also deeply affected the West Suburban YMCA, which operates Camp Chickami. Jack Fucci, the organization’s president and CEO, said the entire YMCA community is grieving the death of the young camper.
Fucci said the organization’s thoughts were with Mason’s family during what he described as an extraordinarily difficult time. The incident has affected not only Mason’s loved ones but also the campers, employees, and others connected to the camp.
The circumstances surrounding the tree’s fall remain under investigation. Authorities have not indicated in the available information what caused the tree to fall or whether any other factors contributed to the incident.
For Mason’s family, however, the focus is now on remembering the life of an 8-year-old boy whose time was cut tragically short. His interests, friendships, creativity, and joyful personality have become part of the memories his loved ones will carry with them.
Mason Sundberg is being remembered not simply as the child involved in a heartbreaking camp accident, but as a beloved son, friend, and family member whose presence brought laughter, affection, and energy to the people around him.
As the community mourns, the West Suburban YMCA and those who knew Mason are standing with his family. His loved ones say his smile, kindness, and brightness will never be forgotten by those fortunate enough to have known him.
