Horrible Accident Claims Life of 6-year-old Conn. Boy

(NECN: Brian Burnell, Salem, Conn.) - "The state police major crime squad has been investigating this but they've already made it clear: this was a horrible accident.

"It’s a very tragic and difficult scene for everyone," said Lt. J. Paul Vance with Connecticut State Police.

It was about 8:45 in the morning Tuesday when investigators say Scott Bourgeois brought his three children with him to the job.

He's a tree man, who clears lots, cuts trees and chips brush.

The children were on school vacation. The youngest child was 6-year-old Jeffrey.

"The youngest child attempted to assist his father when his father's back was turned, picking a branch up. Tried to feed it into the chipper when in fact he was pulled into the chipper,” said Lt. Vance.

There was nothing anyone could do. The little boy was killed.

Salem Fire Chief Eugene Maiorano was the first to answer the call for help.

"We're getting counseling for the family. Basically the members... I was first on the scene. The family lives right across the street from me so I was first on the scene, saw what we had and kept everybody away," said Chief Maiorano.

"This was a Salem family; a very good family in town. A well-known family. Our hearts and prayers go out to them," said Kevin Lyden, First Selectman.

"We're pretty close. We have one school which goes from kindergarten through eighth grade. Probably 300 people will know this family or know the kids that go to school with this family so... it's horrible," said neighbor Pat Welch.

We've been asked to give the family their privacy during this very difficult time and we are certainly honoring that request.

Copyright NECNMIGR - NECN
Contact Us