A nine-year-old Massachusetts boy died after being hit by a falling tree on the playground of his elementary school.
Accomplished skier Zakaria Bel Qaid had only celebrated his birthday a few days before the freak accident on May 4 at Winthrop School, 10 miles south of Boston.
Bel Qaid was one of three people who were struck when the tree came tumbling down, injuring all three of them, according to a statement from his family.
His family announced their ‘incomprehensible loss’ on his social media page.
‘It is with utmost sadness and grief that we announce the passing of our most beautiful boy, Zakaria,’ it read.
‘He was involved in a crazy and unbelievable accident on the playground at his school, where a tree from a neighboring property broke and fell on him while he was playing on the play structure.
‘He spent his last moments laughing and playing tag with his little sister and her friend.’
Bel Qaid was a competitive skier who shared photos and videos from his competitions frequently on social media. His mother said the sport was ‘everything to him.’
Zakaria Bel Qaid died on May 4 after he was struck by a tree on the playground at Winthrop School in Massachusetts
Bel Qaid was a competitive skier and had just won a national championship earlier this year
Two others were injured by the toppled tree. School officials both were treated at hospitals nearby and treated
Loved ones remembered him as loving, loyal, determined and confident.
‘Zakaria had such a bright future that was cut way too short at just nine years old,’ the post continued.
‘He just had his birthday last week and was excited that he would be a double high five next year.’
According to a statement from the Melrose School Committee, the adult and other child who were involved in the accident were taken to area hospitals and have since been discharged.
‘Counseling staff and additional administrators are on site at the Winthrop School to support students and staff as they navigate this challenging time,’ it read.
‘This is a very sad day at Winthrop School and for our entire Melrose Community,’ the school concluded.
‘Our deepest condolences go out to the family, and we ask that you please respect their privacy at this time.’
The family asked that any donations be made to the Green Mountain Academy in Stowe, Vermont.
The school offers skiing and snowboarding lessons to young athletes and provides scholarships to struggling families each year.
According to their Give Butter Page, Bel Qaid was ‘an enthusiastic skier and joyful soul gone too soon.’
WVCB reported that Bel Qaid had recently competed at a national ski championship in Colorado. He won first in his age group for half pipe and ski cross.
Green Mountain Academy in Stowe, Vermont said Bel Qaid was an ‘enthusiastic skier and joyful soul’
Bel Qaid turned nine just a few days before the accident. He was remembered as ‘loyal’ and ‘confident’
Members of the community started a memorial in Bel Qaid’s honor near the school playground
Friends, neighbors and classmates set up a memorial for Bel Qaid outside of the playground. All week, loved ones have come through with cards, flowers and toys in honor of Bel Qaid’s life.
‘This is horrible. Why does this have to happen to him?’ eighth grade student George Alexis, told Boston25.
‘I mean, you think of how it could happen to any of us. You picture the family, just going to work, going to school, just a normal day, and god forbid something like this terrible happens,’ resident Bill Colella told the outlet.
‘It’s so sad, but it makes us realize that life is so precious,’ Cheryl Riley said.
The Qaid family laid their son to rest on May 8, making one final post thanking their community for their ‘outpouring of support.’
‘Zakaria will continue to live on in spirit – he will push us to do better, to never give up no matter how hard it may be,’ it read.
‘His infectious smile, that was his ticket out of trouble, will forever be etched in our minds and his determination and passion for everything he did will forever live in our hearts.’
The Daily Mail contacted the Winthrop School for comment.
