A 5-year-old boy died Tuesday evening in Sherburne County when a tree fell on him as he was playing in his back yard, authorities said Wednesday.
Edward Joseph Michalek was playing on a hammock with other children in Big Lake Township when a 7-foot-tall tree to which one end of the hammock was tied uprooted, fell and hit the boy on the head, according to Sheriff Joel Brott. Edward died at the scene.
"This was a freak accident that led to the tragic loss of a young life," Brott said. "Our thoughts are with Edward's family during this difficult time."
Friends have set up a GoFundMe page to help the family with the child's funeral expenses.
"On October 17th, Tom & Melissa [Michalek] tragically lost their 5 year old amazingly sweet son Edward 'Eddie' Joseph Michalek," the post says. "Eddie was playing on a hammock with his siblings on a beautiful fall day when the tree it was tied to crashed down on him. There are no words to say at this time, but Tom & Melissa beg you to pray for their family who ... saw this horrific sight. They pray that they can all rest, find peace, and comfort in their memories of Eddie. Their faith tells them that his soul lives in Heaven where they will see him again."
