Boscawen Boy in Critical Condition After Tree Falls on Him

BOSCAWEN, N.H. — A 12-year-old boy is in critical condition after a tree fell on him while he was walking home from his school bus stop, according to the Boscawen Fire Department. The incident occurred Friday at approximately 2:50 p.m. at Woodland Commons Apartments on North Main Street.

The boy, identified as Kyle Murray, had just exited his school bus when high winds caused a spruce tree to topple and land on him. His mother, Danielle Murray, recalled the moment she learned of the accident when a girl from Kyle’s bus knocked on their door to deliver the news.

“I bolted across the apartment complex to the site of the fallen tree,” Danielle said. “I noticed the color of his backpack under the branches. There were little cans of food spread all over the ground, and I saw the bright purple and teal of his backpack.”

Danielle attempted to crawl beneath the branches to reach her son, who was face down and unresponsive, with visible blood on his head. “He was just pinned under the tree, breathing with abnormal breaths. He wasn’t talking or anything,” she described.

First responders arrived shortly after and utilized a chainsaw and hydraulic spreaders to rescue Kyle from under the tree. He was semi-conscious when pulled from the wreckage and was initially taken to Concord Hospital before being transferred to Boston Children's Hospital.

Boscawen Fire Department Chief Tim Kenney remarked on the rarity of such incidents in the area, stating, “It’s staggering to think about the odds of all this happening, the timing of everything.”

Doctors informed Danielle that Kyle nearly died from blood loss and suffered severe injuries, including brain bleeding, a broken pelvis, and damage to his spine and bladder.

As news of the tragic incident spread through the community, neighbors expressed their concern and support for Kyle. Longtime neighbor Jane Bean said, “I could have cried a lot because he’s such a good kid. I can’t help but wonder, ‘Why did it have to be him?'”

Recognizing Kyle’s good nature, friends organized an online fundraiser to support him and his family, quickly surpassing their initial goal within 90 minutes. Hannah Littlefield, who led the initiative, shared, “It was really just a lot. He’s one of the nicest kids you could possibly meet. Hearing something like that happen to him is devastating.”

Danielle expressed gratitude for the community’s overwhelming support, noting, “You don’t know how to wrap your mind around it and accept it. I’ve never seen love for a kid that people don’t even know.”

To stay positive during Kyle’s recovery, Danielle plays music for him, including their favorite artists, Eminem and Weird Al Yankovic. She added, “I’ve asked him if he liked the music I was playing, and he shook his head yes to a couple, no to a couple, and so-so to a couple.”

Doctors indicated that it is uncertain how long Kyle will remain in critical care, with a significant amount of physical therapy and potential surgeries anticipated in his recovery process. Despite the uncertain future, Danielle remains hopeful. “My son is far from alone in this fight. It’s so overwhelming, and we’re so appreciative to everyone for all of this.”

As of Sunday night, the online fundraiser initiated by Littlefield continues to accept contributions for Kyle and his family.