Child is killed in freak accident while playing with friends after school

Published: 21:20, 5 May 2026 | Updated: 21:20, 5 May 2026 An elementary student was killed in a freak accident in Massachusetts after a massive tree crashed down on top of a playground after school.  The student died on Tuesday after being seriously injured the day before while playing on the Winthrop Elementary School playground, according to the Melrose School Committee.  'We are deeply saddened to share the heartbreaking news that a student who was severely injured in yesterday's accident at the Winthrop Elementary School has passed away,' Melrose Mayor Jen Grigoraitis and Superintendent Cari Berman said in a joint statement. Another student and an adult were taken to the hospital with injuries, but were discharged shortly after.  No information has been released regarding the identity of the young victim who died.   Officials said the playground was hit by the tree, which fell from the other side of a chain-link fence just before 3pm, according to the Boston Globe. What caused the tree to collapse onto the playground remains unclear. The Daily Mail has reached out to the Melrose police, fire department, and the Middlesex County District Attorney's Office for comment.  'It was after school; kids were playing on the playground as they usually do. The wind picked up and a tree fell,' local resident Nancy Clover told CBS News.  A child, who was a student from Winthrop Elementary School in Melrose died on Tuesday after being seriously injured the previous day  A tree fell around 3pm on to the playground killing the one child, injuring another student and an adult Eda George, the president of an organization which own's the property the fallen tree was on told WCVB that all their trees were just checked out last week Eda George, the president of an organization which owns the property the tree fell from, told WCVB that all their trees were just checked out last week  'The tree that fell gave no indication that it was at risk for falling,' George claimed.  According to the Globe, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan was at scene speaking with police.  A spokesperson told the outlet that his office is investigating the incident, and no foul play is suspected.  The elementary school remained open on Tuesday and offered students resources to students and faculty who are grieving.  'As educators, we hold our students close - not just in our classrooms, but in our hearts. In moments like this, we are reminded that our schools are more than places of learning - they are communities of care,' the Melrose Educators Union said in a statement. The school remained open on Tuesday and offered resources to students and staff. The Middlesex District Attorney's Office is investigating the incident  'As we process this tragedy, we are reminded how important it is to come together - with kindness, patience and care for one another.  'Our strength will be in how we support each other through the grief and uncertainty. We hold the family, the Winthrop community and all those impacted in our hearts.'  A growing memorial has been set up near the area of the playground, according to WCVB.  'It's so sad. But it makes us realize that life is so precious, and right before Mother's Day,' Melrose resident Cheryl Riley told the outlet.  'It really tears our heartstrings. Our condolences to the family, the friends, the school, and we're just sending hugs.'  No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.