Wind topples tree, killing trick-or-treater
Toolbox
Published: November 3, 2009
PELHAM, N.H. (AP) — A 10-year-old boy who was standing among about 20 other trick-or-treaters on Halloween night died after a gust of wind toppled a birch tree onto him.
Christian Gualtieri of Pelham was in cardiac arrest when he was rushed to a hospital Saturday night, authorities said. He died later that night.
Police Lt. Gary Fisher called the crash a "freak accident" and said he didn't think anything could have prevented Christian's death. There was no indication that the tree, which sat on private property, was a danger, Fisher said.
Wind gusts Saturday night reached 40 mph, according to the National Weather Service.
"There is no rational explanation for this tragedy," said Sr. Prescille Malo, principal of Ste Jeanne d'Arc School in Lowell, Mass., a Catholic elementary school where Christian was a student. He was part of a group of about 20 children who planned to go on a hayride through the neighborhood. But the boy was standing by himself when the tree fell, Fisher said.
"Christian was a compassionate boy who lived up to his name. His smile was contagious and affability was his trademark."
"As a faith community we will deal with this challenge in prayer and mutual support," Malo said in the statement. "Grief counseling will be made available."
A memorial of flowers and notes surrounded the stump of the tree Sunday. "We love and miss you Christian!" read one note attached to a vase of flowers.
Christian's parents have an unlisted phone number in Pelham. A message left Monday at his grandmother's home in Burlington, Mass., was not immediately returned.
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