Memorial for 8-year-old boy grows outside Gardner elementary school

GARDNER, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) – A makeshift memorial grew outside the Elm Street School in Gardner Friday in honor of an 8-year-old boy who died after a tragic accident.

The young boy, identified as Colby O'Brien, died after a large television and cart fell on him just after 4 p.m. Thursday at an after school program, officials say. He was then transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Automated calls went out to parents of students at the school saying that there was a tragic accident Thursday involving a young student, and that grief counselors would be available Friday.

When FOX 25 arrived on the scene Thursday, teachers and staff were still at the school and police tape lined the perimeter of the campus. A group of concerned parents were gathered outside the school.

Parent Kathy Rheault said, "I want my daughter to know what's going on before counselors at school talk to her tomorrow. I want to be the one to speak with her about what's happening."

One parent who spoke with FOX 25's Catherine Parrotta outside the school Friday said her daughter was close friends with Colby. She left a copy of Colby and her daughter's favorite movie at the memorial outside the school.

Cox Media Group