A Midwestern boy passed away at a Boy Scouts of America summer camp after sustaining serious injuries when he was struck by a falling tree. The boy, whose identity has not been dropped by officials, was walking on a trail at the Owasippe Scout Reservation in western Michigan when the tragedy occurred, according to the Muskegon County Sheriff's Office. The incident happened just after 5pm on Thursday.
Although the sheriff's office did not disclose his name, they stated he was 11 years old and from River Forest, Illinois, a small village west of Chicago. Scouting America's Pathway to Adventure Council announced the death of the Scout on Friday afternoon. They said that emergency services were called to the scene and the boy's parents have been informed.
No other campers were injured in the incident. The organization added in an official statement that they were'heartbroken'by the boy's death and extended condolences to the 'Scout's family, friends, fellow Scouts, and leaders during this incredibly difficult time.' 'The safety and well-being of every young person in our programs is our highest priority,'the statement continued.
Scouting America stated it is fully cooperating with authorities during the investigation and declined to provide further information out of respect for the family. The Boy Scouts of America unveiled that a boy passed away at the Owasippe Scout Reservation in western Michigan, pictured above Scouting America hosts multiple camps on the reservation. Pictured above are campers canoeing The boy was walking on a trail at the reservation around 5pm on Thursday when the tree fell and struck him.
He passed away from his injuries'Scouting America is providing support to those affected, including the Scout's family, unit, camp staff, and members of the camp community,' the organization added. 'We ask that everyone keep this Scout and all who loved them in their thoughts and respect the family's privacy as they grieve this tragic loss.' The Michigan Crossroads Council for Scouting America assured the public in a separate statement that their camps were safe for children.
Multiple troops across the nation have posted and commented on Scouting America's announcement. Owasippe Scout Reservation, launched in 1911, is the oldest operating Boy Scout Camp in the US. The reservation is owned by the Pathway To Adventure Council, Scouting America, and spans over 75 miles of wilderness.
The reservation is owned by the Pathway To Adventure Council, Scouting America, and spans over 75 miles of wilderness. Scouting America said they were 'heartbroken' by the boy's death Scouting America operates four camps on the reservation - Blackhawk, Wolverine, Reneker Family Camp and Cub/Arrow of Light Camp. It is unclear which camp the boy was attending and where he was on the reservation when the tree fell.
The Daily Mail has reached out to the sheriff's office for an update.