Tragic Playground Accident Claims Young Life
A 9-year-old boy from Massachusetts lost his life after a tree fell on him at the playground of Winthrop Elementary School in Melrose, located 10 miles south of Boston. The incident occurred on May 4, just days after Zakaria Bel Qaid celebrated his birthday.
Zakaria was one of three individuals struck by the falling tree from a neighboring property while playing on the structure. He spent his final moments laughing and playing tag with his younger sister and her friend. The other two victims—an adult and another child—received treatment at nearby hospitals and have been discharged.
Zakaria’s Passion for Competitive Skiing
An accomplished skier, Zakaria frequently shared photos and videos from his competitions on social media. His mother described skiing as ‘everything to him.’ Earlier this year, he secured first place in his age group for halfpipe and ski cross at a national championship in Colorado.
Green Mountain Academy in Stowe, Vermont, where he trained, remembered him as an ‘enthusiastic skier and joyful soul.’ The academy provides skiing and snowboarding lessons to young athletes and offers scholarships to families in need.
Family and School Grieve the Loss
The family shared their devastation on social media: ‘It is with utmost sadness and grief that we announce the passing of our most beautiful boy, Zakaria.’ They described him as loving, loyal, determined, and confident, noting his bright future cut short at age nine. ‘He just had his birthday last week and was excited that he would be a double high five next year.’
Melrose School Committee stated: ‘Counseling staff and additional administrators are on site at Winthrop School to support students and staff as they navigate this challenging time. This is a very sad day at Winthrop School and for our entire Melrose Community. Our deepest condolences go out to the family, and we ask that you please respect their privacy at this time.’
The family laid Zakaria to rest on May 8 and expressed gratitude for community support: ‘Zakaria will continue to live on in spirit—he will push us to do better, to never give up no matter how hard it may be. His infectious smile… will forever be etched in our minds and his determination and passion for everything he did will forever live in our hearts.’
Community Memorial and Tributes
Friends, neighbors, and classmates created a memorial outside the playground with cards, flowers, and toys. Eighth-grader George Alexis said, ‘This is horrible. Why does this have to happen to him?’ Resident Bill Colella reflected, ‘You picture the family, just going to work, going to school, just a normal day, and god forbid something like this terrible happens.’ Cheryl Riley added, ‘It’s so sad, but it makes us realize that life is so precious.’
The family requests donations to Green Mountain Academy to honor Zakaria’s legacy.
