# Fatal tree fall accidents at US youth camps

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/tree-fall-fatalities-at-us-camps
> Updated: 2026-08-20T14:11:22.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 3.

In late July and August 2026, a series of fatal accidents involving falling trees at youth camps in the United States resulted in the deaths of three minors.

The first incident occurred on July 25 at the Owasippe Scout Reservation in Michigan, where an 11-year-old boy from River Forest, Illinois, was killed after a tree struck him on a wooded trail. Two days later, a 15-year-old camper, Camden Robert Callihan, died at the YMCA’s Camp Widjiwagan near Nashville, Tennessee, when a large tree fell during a group hike in the Teen Extreme program.

A third tragedy was reported on August 18 at YMCA Camp Chickami in Wayland, Massachusetts. An 8-year-old boy, Mason Sundberg, died following a “domino effect” accident where a large tree fell and knocked down a second tree, striking multiple people in an open wooded area. While Sundberg was pronounced dead after being airlifted to a hospital, an adult counselor sustained minor injuries. The West Suburban YMCA announced the facility would remain closed for the remainder of that week.

In all three cases, local authorities and emergency services responded to the scenes, and the involved organizations have cooperated with investigations into the circumstances of the accidents.

## Claims

- The boy was airlifted to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The accident occurred around 10:40 AM on Tuesday, August 18, at YMCA Camp Chickami in Wayland, Massachusetts. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- An 8-year-old boy, identified as Mason Sundberg, died after being struck by a falling tree. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- An adult camp counselor sustained minor injuries from a branch and has been treated and released. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- A large tree fell and brought down a second tree in a domino effect while children and staff were in a wooded area. (single source)
- The camp will remain closed for the remainder of the week. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-20: YMCA Camp Chickami child killed in falling tree accident

An 8-year-old boy died after being struck by falling trees at YMCA Camp Chickami in Wayland, Massachusetts. An adult counselor was also injured in the accident.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ymca-camp-chickami-child-killed-in-falling-tree-accident

### 2026-07-27: Nashville YMCA Camp Widjiwagan Tree Falls Kills Teen

A 15‑year‑old camper, Camden Robert Callihan, died after a tree fell on him during a hike at Nashville’s YMCA Camp Widjiwagan; the YMCA and police are investigating.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nashville-ymca-camp-widjiwagan-tree-falls-kills-teen

### 2026-07-25: 11-Year-Old Boy Killed by Falling Tree at Michigan Scout Camp

An 11‑year‑old boy from Illinois was killed by a falling tree while hiking at the Owasippe Scout Reservation in Michigan; officials are investigating.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/11-year-old-boy-killed-by-falling-tree-at-michigan-scout-camp

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Cite as: Fatal tree fall accidents at US youth camps. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/tree-fall-fatalities-at-us-camps