The family of an 8-year-old boy from Sudbury, Massachusetts, who died after being hit by a falling tree at a summer day camp earlier this week is remembering him as a “fiercely loyal, loving, and empathetic friend.”

Mason Sundberg, a student at Sudbury’s Loring Elementary School, was attending YMCA Camp Chickami on Tuesday morning when he was hit by a falling tree. He was flown to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he later died.

The family said he loved his family, dog, video games, sushi and holiday celebrations.

“He loved to draw and build stories with his friends, a notebook in his bag everywhere he went. His brightness will be missed, but never forgotten to those who loved him,” the family wrote.

The family thanked the community for its support, and said information about a celebration of life would be shared soon.

“He may be gone, but his soul lives on in the hearts and minds of everyone who knew him,” the family said.

The falling tree also injured a camp employee, who was treated and released from a local hospital.

“The entire West Suburban YMCA family is grieving the loss of a young camper when a tree fell at Camp Chickami in Wayland on Tuesday. We are keeping the camper’s family foremost in our thoughts at this extraordinarily difficult time,” West Suburban YMCA President & CEO Jack Fucci said in a statement.

“I want to offer our sincere thoughts and support to the family and friends who are facing this tragic loss,” acting Wayland Police Chief Mark Hebert said Wednesday.

“Our Wayland community is grieving today, and thinking of those who lost so much as a result of this tragic accident,” said Wayland Fire Chief Neil McPherson. “I encourage anyone who is experiencing overwhelming grief or anxiety to talk to someone, reach out for help, and to remember that we are the strongest when we stand together as a community.”

The day camp is for children ages 6 to 14 who are entering grades 1-9, according to the camp’s website. It was founded in 1955.