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 field trip to Howell Nature Center.

The tragic incident occurred 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 here during an overnight school trip.

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

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

“We’re all hurting,” Turnbull said. “It was a tough night for a lot of us last night.”

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

He was flown 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 they are no longer there,” Turnbull said. “

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

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

“We will do everything we can for 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 close-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 strong academically. He was just a great kid.”

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