First responders revived 6-year-old Killian Gonzales before he was flown to a Seattle hospital, where he died four days later.
BELLINGHAM, Wash. — A 6-year-old boy died after a large piece of driftwood fell on him while he was playing at Little Squalicum Beach in Bellingham, authorities and his family said.
Killian Gonzales was injured during a July 8 visit to the beach with his sister and babysitter. Emergency crews found him unresponsive after the log struck him and pinned part of his body, according to the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office. Responders performed CPR before Killian was flown to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. He died July 12, four days after the accident.
Killian had been exploring near a structure made from driftwood when one of the logs began to fall, his mother, Sonja McCartney, told KING-TV. She said her son noticed the movement and tried to run before the wood struck him. Authorities described the incident as an accident and have not reported evidence of criminal conduct.
Killian’s father, Marcos Gonzales, said emergency workers were already trying to save his son when the family reached the beach. The child’s heart had stopped, and responders continued lifesaving treatment before taking him to the hospital. Medical workers kept him in intensive care as his family waited for more information about the extent of his injuries.
His parents said Killian suffered severe injuries in the impact. They thanked the emergency crews, doctors and nurses who treated him, saying medical workers did everything they could during the four days he remained hospitalized. The family later announced that he had died Sunday.
The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office said deputies joined the community in mourning the child. The agency described Killian as a precious young life and offered condolences to his family and loved ones. Officials did not announce further investigative steps or say that anyone would face charges in connection with the accident.
Killian had recently completed kindergarten at Alderwood Elementary School. Principal Amy Berreth expressed sympathy for the Gonzales McCartney family in a message to the school community and directed families to resources intended to help children cope with grief.
McCartney described her son as curious, adventurous and eager to learn about nature. In a public message shared through an online fundraiser, she said Killian loved exploring outdoors and finding small creatures. She also remembered his laugh and the happiness he brought to people around him.
Little Squalicum Beach is part of a shoreline park along Bellingham Bay. The area contains sand, gravel and large pieces of driftwood that can collect along the coast. The sheriff’s office did not say whether the driftwood structure had been built by visitors or formed naturally.
A fundraiser organized to support Killian’s family had received more than $65,000 by Thursday, according to People. The campaign was created to assist the family with medical, food and transportation costs while they grieved. The amount may continue to change as donations are received.
A public vigil honoring Killian was scheduled for July 20 at Squalicum Creek Park, according to information released by his family. Authorities had not announced any additional findings about the accident as of Saturday.
Author note: Last updated July 18, 2026.