Massachusetts 8-year-old fatally injured at camp remembered for kindness, love, smile

WAYLAND — The Wayland Police and Fire Departments regret to inform the community that a child who was injured by a falling tree on Tuesday morning has succumbed to his injuries. 

At approximately 10:40 a.m., the Wayland Police and Fire Departments were called to Camp Chickami at 139 Boston Post Road for a report of people struck by a tree.

First responders arrived to find a child suffering from life-threatening injuries and an adult suffering from less serious injuries.

The adult was transported to a local hospital by Weston Fire Ambulance and has since been released.

The child, identified by Sudbury Police as 8-year-old Mason Sundberg, was taken by Wayland Fire Ambulance to a landing zone at Town Hall, and from there was taken by medical helicopter to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. 

Mason’s family released the following statement:

“Mason left us yesterday, but his kindness, love and smile never will. A fiercely loyal, loving, and empathetic friend to old friends and new. A perfect son, grandson, nephew, and cousin – he loved his family more than anything (and his dog River). 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. Mason loved video games, good sushi, swimming, skiing, running everywhere, and a good holiday celebration with over the top decorations. He loved to draw and build stories with his friends, a notebook in his bag everywhere he went. His brightness will be missed, but never forgotten to those who loved him. 

“He may be gone, but his soul lives on in the hearts and minds of everyone who knew him. Information about remembrances and celebration of life will be shared soon. 

“Thank you to the countless friends, co-workers, and members of the community for your love and support.” 

The Wayland Police and Fire Departments extended their sincerest condolences to the boy’s family, friends and community and are holding them in their thoughts at this difficult time. 

“I want to offer our sincere thoughts and support to the family and friends who are facing this tragic loss,” said Acting Police Chief Mark Hebert.

“Our Wayland community is grieving today, and thinking of those who lost so much as a result of this tragic accident,” said Fire Chief Neil McPherson. “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.”