Teen Killed at Tennessee Summer Camp
Many parents sign up their children for summer camp to entertain them and allow them to interact with other kids. Unfortunately, what was supposed to be a fun day at camp turned into tragedy for one child and his family.
A 15-year-old camper was killed on the morning of July 27 after a tree fell on him during a group hike at a Middle Tennessee summer camp. The victim was attending Camp Widjiwagan, a YMCA camp on Percy Priest Lake in Antioch.
Two camp counselors were leading a group of campers along a hiking trail when they encountered a tree that had already fallen and was leaning against another tree. Counselors warned the group not to touch the unstable tree.
However, police said a 14-year-old camper touched the leaning tree, causing it to fall and strike the 15-year-old boy.
The YMCA said staff immediately activated emergency procedures. Counselors and fellow campers worked together to remove the tree. The victim was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he later died. No other campers or staff members were injured.
The teen, who was from Virginia, was participating in the camp’s Teen Extreme session, which began the day before. The program is designed for campers ages 13 to 15 and includes activities such as hiking, ropes courses, lake camping, caving, and ziplining.
Following the incident, camp officials locked the facility’s gates while Metro Police conducted their investigation. Visitors were temporarily turned away.
“There are no words to adequately express the depths of our grief for this tragic loss,” the YMCA of Middle Tennessee said in a statement. “At this time, we ask that you keep the victim’s family, other campers and the staff and emergency personnel who responded in your thoughts and prayers.”
The organization said it is cooperating fully with investigators. Metro Police said the incident appears to be a tragic accident.
All campers participating in the Teen Extreme program were sent home that same day. Meanwhile, other Camp Widjiwagan programs were expected to continue as scheduled.
The incident has left many in the community stunned.
One woman, who attended Camp Widjiwagan about 10 years ago, said campers generally feel safe because activities are closely supervised. She said hiking among trees was a routine part of camp life, making the tragedy especially shocking.
A man, whose nephews have attended the camp, said he was saddened by the news. He was heartbroken that the death happened to someone so young.
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When a child is injured or killed on someone else’s property and by someone else’s negligence, there are various laws that apply.
Who is to blame? Can you receive compensation for your child’s injuries? Get the legal help you need from a Mt. Juliet child injury lawyer from The Law Offices of Christopher Eads, PLLC. We understand how to calculate damages and will work to ensure that the damages calculation accounts for projected future medical costs, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. Fill out the online form or call (615) 622-6060 to schedule a consultation with our office.
Source:
wsmv.com/2026/07/27/police-identify-teen-killed-by-falling-tree-nashville-summer-camp-heres-what-we-know/
