11-year-old Boy Scout dies from falling tree while at summer camp in Michigan

The boy died from injuries he sustained from the incident.

ByMegan Fahrney ABCNews logo
Monday, July 27, 2026 3:17PM
Tree falls on 11-year-old Scout from west suburb, killing him at camp
An 11-year-old boy from River Forest died at a Michigan Scout camp on Thursday from injuries he incurred when a tree fell on him.

An 11-year-old boy died at a Michigan Scout camp on Thursday from injuries he incurred when a tree fell on him, a press release from the Muskegon County Sheriff's Office said.

The boy was walking through a trail in the forest at a Boy Scouts of America summer camp at the Owasippe Scout Reservation in western Michigan when a tree fell and hit him, according to the sheriff's office.

The camper, who was from Riverforest, Illinois, died from multiple injuries he sustained in the incident, authorities said.

The sheriff's office said it received notice of the incident at 5:08 p.m. on Thursday and responded alongside the Blue Lake Fire Department, White Lake Ambulance and Muskegon County Victim Services.

"We are heartbroken by the death of our Scout at Owasippe Scout Reservation," Scouting America said in a statement to ABC News. "Our deepest condolences and prayers are with the Scout's family, friends, fellow Scouts and leaders during this incredibly difficult time."

Authorities are investigating the incident and will continue to provide updates at a later time, the sheriff's office said.

Scouting America said it is cooperating fully with authorities as they review the circumstances of the incident.

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