MARION TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WXYZ) — The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to 7 News Detroit that a boy was injured after a tree hit him at the Howell Nature Center on Thursday afternoon.
According to officials, the tree struck the 12-year-old boy in the head. We’re told the boy has critical injuries.
Livingston County Sheriff Michael Murphy says the boy is a student at Our Lady of Victory Catholic School in Northville and was at the facility for an overnight field trip.
Murphy says chaperones were teaching the students how to make a fire when they heard loud cracking. Members of the group took off running when they heard the sound and the 20-foot tall tree with a rotted trunk fell on the boy, hitting him on the head.
He was airlifted to Mott Children's Hospital by the University of Michigan's Survival Flight in critical condition.
Howell Nature Center CEO Tina Bruce has released the following statement about the incident:
Our hearts break and we are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred here at Howell Nature Center. Our thoughts and prayers are with the child and their family during this difficult time.
At this moment, we are gathering all the facts and working closely with the authorities and our staff to understand what happened today. We will provide more information as soon as it becomes available.
Thank you for your understanding and patience.
Stay with WXYZ.com for updates on this developing story.
