12-year-old boy dies after tree falls on him while playing in New Jersey backyard

LAWRENCE TWP., New Jersey — A 12-year-old boy died after a tree fell on him while he was playing with a friend in his backyard, authorities said.

The child was identified by school officials as Lucas Schwartz, a 7th grader at Lawrence Middle School.

The incident occurred Monday at approximately 12:09 a.m. when officers from the Lawrence Township Police Department in New Jersey responded to the 100 block of Eldridge Avenue regarding a “report of a tree fallen on a 12-year-old male.” ” said a statement from Lawrence Township police early Tuesday morning.

“Officers were able to free the boy from under the fallen tree and began CPR,” police said in their statement. “The victim was transported by Lawrence Township EMS to Capital Health System – Regional Medical Center where he later succumbed to his injuries.”

Investigators then determined that Schwartz was playing with a friend in his backyard when the tree was “blown down by gusts of wind, striking the boy and causing fatal injuries,” authorities said.

The Lawrence Township School District said they will have grief counselors available to help students and staff in the aftermath of the accident.

“In addition, therapy dogs and members of the Mercer County Traumatic Loss Coalition will be on school grounds to provide assistance,” school officials said.

The investigation into the accident is currently active and ongoing.