12-year-old boy dies after tree falls on him due to 'gusty winds' in New Jersey backyard

A 12-year-old boy died after a tree fell on top of him while playing in New Jersey on Monday, according to police.

Lawrence Township Police responded to a report of the incident around noon and discovered the injured child on the scene.

The officers were able to "free the juvenile from under the fallen tree and begin CPR," police said in a news release. They transported the boy to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

During the investigation, police learned that the boy was playing with a friend in the backyard when the tree fell due to "gusty winds," the press release said.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing.

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School district says support will be avaliable to the community

According to police, the local school district will provide counselors for students and employees throughout the week.

"In addition, therapy dogs and members of the Mercer County Traumatic Loss Coalition will be on school grounds to provide assistance," the press release said.

The police department did not reveal what school the victim attended, but Fox 29 reported he was a 7th grade student at Lawrence Middle School.

"We are heartbroken by the loss to our school community and will make every effort to help you and your child as needed," the school district's statement continued, per the outlet.

Lawrence Township is about 5 miles from Trenton.

Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com.