A 12-year-old boy playing with a friend in his Central New Jersey backyard died after a tree fell on him, authorities said.
The tragic incident happened early Monday afternoon in Lawrence Township, just north of Trenton.
Officers responded to a residence on Eldridge Ave. shortly after noon, Lawrence Police Chief Chris Longo said in a news release.
They were able to free the victim from under the fallen tree and began CPR at the scene. The boy was then rushed to a local hospital where he was declared dead, according to Longo.
Investigators later determined that the young victim was playing with a friend when the tree was “blown over by gusty winds, striking the juvenile and causing fatal injuries.”
Later on Monday, the Lawrence Township Public Schools District confirmed the death of the 12-year-old in a letter to students and families in the community
“We are deeply saddened to inform you of the death of Lucas Schwartz, a Lawrence Middle School (LMS) 7th Grader, as the result of a tragic accident,” Superintendent Robyn A. Klim said in the letter, according to Midjersey.News. “We extend our heartfelt sympathy to his family.”
The tragic death of the young student, who had previously attended Eldridge Park Elementary, will deeply affect students and school staff, Klim said, adding the district “is doing everything [it] can to support the community.”
Counselors, therapy dogs and members of the Mercer County Traumatic Loss Coalition will be available throughout the week to assist any students or staff affected by the news, according to Klim.
“We encourage you to be especially sensitive and prepared to offer support to your child during this time,” she wrote. “Over the next few days, encourage your child to express their own feelings and listen attentively.”
