The community of Northville is mourning the loss of a 12-year-old boy who was killed by a falling tree

NORTHVILLE, Mich. – The Northville community is grappling with the tragic death of 12-year-old Declan Carter, who died when a tree fell on him during a school trip to the Howell Nature Center.

The tragic incident took place on Thursday (September 26). A vigil was held at his school on Friday.

The Howell Nature Center was closed Friday and no one wanted to talk about the 12-year-old boy who died there during an overnight school trip.

“It’s almost unfathomable,” said Northville Mayor Brian P. Turnbull.

Carter was with his classmates listening to an instructor when a 20-foot-tall dead tree fell on him.

“We are all hurting,” Turnbull said. “It was a tough night for many of us last night.”

Carter attended Our Lady of Victory Parish Catholic School in Northville.

He was airlifted from Howell Nature Center to Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor before succumbing to his injuries hours later.

“Imagine someone you are so close to, and suddenly he or she is no longer there,” Turnbull said. “

‘Life is precious’: Northville mayor releases statement on 12-year-old’s death

Turnbull knows the Carter family well as Declan’s father, John, is a councillor.

“We will do everything we can for the Carter,” Turnbull said. ‘For John and for Lizs’ family. “It’s a healing process and we’re just shocked. We are all shocked, the whole city and the tight-knit community that it is.”

Turnbull says Declan’s legacy will live on as the Carter family prepares for a funeral.

“We were all proud of him,” Turnbull said. “His family were all proud of him. He was energetic, always talkative and academically strong. He was just a great kid.”

Flags in Northville were flown at half-mast in Declan’s honor on Friday. Classes at Our Lady of Victory Parish were canceled, but grief counselors were available for students who needed to talk.