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Tragic Accident: Teen Killed by Falling Tree at YMCA Camp
28 Jul
Summary
- A 15-year-old camper died after a tree fell on him during a hike.
- The incident occurred at YMCA Camp Widjiwagan in Antioch, Tennessee.
- The death was ruled accidental by police, and the YMCA is providing support.
A tragic incident occurred at YMCA Camp Widjiwagan in Antioch, Tennessee, where a 15-year-old camper named Camden Robert Callihan lost his life. The accident took place on Monday, July 27, while counselors were leading campers on a hike. The group encountered a tree leaning against another above the trail.
Despite instructions from the counselors to avoid touching the tree, the victim and a friend walked beneath it. When the friend touched the tree, it fell, striking Callihan. Counselors and other campers immediately lifted the tree off of him.
Emergency services transported Callihan to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. Metropolitan Nashville Police have officially classified the death as accidental. The YMCA of Middle Tennessee released a statement expressing their sorrow and stating their focus is on supporting the victim's family, other campers, and the staff involved.
This unfortunate event happened shortly after another child died in a similar incident on July 23 at a summer camp in Michigan. An 11-year-old boy was struck and killed by a falling tree at Owasippe Scout Reservation.
