A nine-year-old boy from Massachusetts lost his life after a tree fell on him at the playground of his elementary school. Zakaria Bel Qaid, an accomplished competitive skier, had celebrated his ninth birthday just days earlier. The incident occurred on May 4 at Winthrop School in Melrose, about 10 miles south of Boston.
The Tragic Accident
Zakaria was one of three individuals struck when a tree from a neighboring property collapsed onto the playground structure. He spent his final moments laughing and playing tag with his younger sister and her friend. Two others—an adult and another child—sustained injuries and received treatment at nearby hospitals before being discharged.
Zakaria’s Passion for Skiing
An enthusiastic 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 claimed first place in his age group for halfpipe and ski cross at a national championship in Colorado.
Loved ones remember Zakaria as loving, loyal, determined, and confident. ‘Zakaria had such a bright future that was cut way too short at just nine years old,’ his family shared on social media. ‘He just had his birthday last week and was excited that he would be a double high five next year.’
Family and School Response
The family expressed their grief, stating, ‘It is with utmost sadness and grief that we announce the passing of our most beautiful boy, Zakaria. He was involved in a crazy and unbelievable accident on the playground at his school.’
The Melrose School Committee confirmed that counseling staff and additional administrators are available at Winthrop School to support students and staff. ‘This is a very sad day at Winthrop School and for our entire Melrose Community,’ the statement noted. ‘Our deepest condolences go out to the family, and we ask that you please respect their privacy at this time.’
Community Memorial and Donations
Friends, neighbors, and classmates created a memorial outside the playground with cards, flowers, and toys. Community members shared their sorrow: ‘This is horrible. Why does this have to happen to him?’ said eighth-grade student George Alexis. 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 in Stowe, Vermont, which provides skiing and snowboarding lessons and scholarships to young athletes from struggling families. The academy described Zakaria as ‘an enthusiastic skier and joyful soul gone too soon.’
Zakaria’s funeral took place on May 8. The family posted a final message: ‘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.’
