BELFAST — Following the tragic July 19 death of a nine-year-old Belfast boy, Belfast Police have released a final statement regarding the incident, which reads: 

“At approximately 2 pm on Monday, 7/19/21, Belfast Police and EMS responded to a tragic incident involving a 9-year-old male and a tow truck in a parking lot adjacent to High Street in Belfast. The

child was fatally injured during the loading of a vehicle onto the tow truck. Emergency aid was administered to the child at the scene, and he was transported by the Belfast Ambulance to the Waldo

County General Hospital emergency room where resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful, and he succumbed to his injuries. No criminal charges are expected. No further information [will] be released or available.”

The statement was issued by Belfast Police Chief Gerald Lincoln July 22. 

Published July 19

BELFAST — A nine-year-old boy reportedly died in a tragic incident involving a tow truck in Belfast this afternoon, according to a press release from Belfast Police Chief Gerald Lincoln. 

The incident reportedly took place in a parking lot adjacent to High Street at approximately 2 p.m., with Belfast Police and EMS responding to the scene, according to the release. 

First aid was administered to the child, who was transported to Waldo County General Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. 

No additional information is available at this time, according to Lincoln. 

RSU 71 Superintendent of Schools Mary Alice McLean released a statement regarding the death a short time after it was announced. 

Dear RSU 71 Students, Families, Staff, School Board and Community, 

 

I have just learned that a 9-year-old child died today in a towing accident in Belfast.

 

The student's name is not yet public to give time to the family to notify loved ones.

 

The Ames Elementary School will be open tomorrow from 12:30 - 3:00 to support students, parents, and staff. In addition, parents will be provided with materials about how to help young people in the death of a classmate.

 

More information will be shared as it becomes known. 

 

As one RSU 71 community, let us keep the parents, extended family, students, classmates, teachers, and staff in our hearts and minds as they learn about and grapple with this tragedy.