12-year-old boy dies after tree falls while playing in New Jersey backyard

LAWRENCE Township, New Jersey — A 12-year-old boy died after a tree fell on him while he was playing with a friend in his backyard, authorities said.

The incident occurred around 12:09 p.m. Monday when officers from the Lawrence Township, New Jersey Police Department responded to the 100 block of Eldridge Avenue regarding a “report of a a tree fell on a 12-year-old man.” ” according to a release from the Lawrence Township Police Department early Tuesday morning.

“Officers were able to free the minor from the fallen tree and began resuscitation,” police said in their statement. “The victim was transported to Capital Health System – Regional Medical Center by Lawrence Township Emergency Medical Services, where he later succumbed to his injuries.”

Investigators later determined the boy was playing with a friend in his backyard when the tree was “toppled by gusts of wind, striking the juvenile and causing fatal injuries,” according to authorities.

The Lawrence Township School District said it will have grief counselors available to help students and staff following the accident.

“Additionally, therapy dogs and members of the Mercer County Traumatic Loss Coalition will be on school grounds to assist,” police said.

The investigation into the accident is currently active and ongoing.