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A nine-year-old MassachusettsA boy passed away following an incident where he was struck by a falling tree at his elementary school’s playground.
Successful skier Zakaria Bel Qaid had only marked his birthday a short time prior to the unusual incident on May 4 at Winthrop School, located 10 miles south ofBoston.
Bel Qaid was among the three individuals who were hit when the tree fell, causing injuries to all three, as stated by his family.
His family expressed their ‘unfathomable sorrow’ regarding himsocial media page.
“It was with profound sorrow and heartache that we shared the news of our most lovely son, Zakaria’s,” it stated.
He experienced a bizarre and astonishing accident at his school’s playground, when a tree from an adjacent property fell on him while he was playing on the equipment.
He spent his final moments laughing and playing tag with his younger sister and her friend.
Bel Qaid was an avid skier who often posted images and clips from his competitions on social platforms. His mother mentioned that the sport was ‘everything to him.’
Close ones recalled him as affectionate, faithful, resolute, and self-assured.
“Zakaria had a promising future that was tragically ended at the young age of nine,” the post continued.
He recently celebrated his birthday a week ago and was thrilled at the thought of becoming a double high five next year.
According to a statement from the Melrose School Committee, the adult and other child involved in the incident were transported to local hospitals and have since been released.
The statement said that counseling personnel and other administrators are present at the Winthrop School to assist students and staff in dealing with this difficult period.
“This marks a deeply sorrowful day for Winthrop School and the entire Melrose Community,” the school stated.
Our most heartfelt sympathies are with the family, and we kindly request that you honor their privacy during this difficult period.
The family requested that all contributions be directed to the Green Mountain Academy located in Stowe, Vermont.
The institution provides skiing and snowboarding classes for young athletes and offers financial aid to families in need annually.
According to their Give Butter Page, Bel Qaid was “an enthusiastic skier and a cheerful person who left us too early.”
WVCB reported that Bel Qaid had recently taken part in a national ski competition in Colorado. He secured first place in his age category for half pipe and ski cross.
Companions, neighbors, and schoolmates organized a tribute for Bel Qaid near the playground. Throughout the week, family and friends have visited with cards, flowers, and toys to celebrate Bel Qaid’s life.
“This is terrible. Why is this happening to him?” eighth grade student George Alexis said.Boston25.
“I mean, you consider how this could happen to any of us. You imagine the family, heading to work, heading to school, just an ordinary day, and heaven forbid something like this terrible event occurs,” resident Bill Colella said to the outlet.
“It’s very heartbreaking, yet it reminds us how valuable life truly is,” Cheryl Riley remarked.
The Qaid family buried their son on May 8, issuing a last message expressing gratitude to their community for the ‘overflow of support.’
“Zakaria will continue to live on in spirit — he will inspire us to strive harder, to never surrender regardless of how challenging it may be,” it stated.
His contagious grin, which often saved him from trouble, will always remain in our memories, and his drive and enthusiasm for all he undertook will forever reside in our hearts.
The Daily Mail reached out to the Winthrop School for a response.
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