Iowa Boy, 4, Killed By Falling Tree In CO Remembered For His Spirit

LITTLETON, CO — Loved ones are remembering an Iowa 4-year-old who died in Colorado after a tree broke and fell on him as a boy with an infectious smile and laugh who had a passion for ice cream and an appreciation for friendship.

Maximillion Wood, of Indianola, was playing on a slack line or zip line around 7:45 a.m. Friday on the 6300 block of South Jay Way in Jefferson County when the tree broke, KUSA reported. The tree fell on top of the boy, killing him. His 14-year-old sister was injured, KCCI reported.

Jennifer Sedlock launched a GoFundMe account to create a memorial fund in Maximillion's memory. As of Wednesday, more than 21,000 had been donated.

"Maximillion would have started kindergarten this year," she wrote. "He loved to share with others the fun adventures he had been on, the artwork he created, and anything else he felt was exciting. He had a love for animals and soccer. His greatest joy, though, was his family."

The family released a letter to the community Tuesday, describing Maximillion as a boy with an old soul and a "larger than life heart."

The boy loved ice cream — especially strawberry with gummy bears and sprinkles — and appreciated the importance of friendships. His teachers plan to wear his favorite colors at school: orange and red.

"Maximillion’s death is a tragedy but his life is a blessing," the letter said. "Amidst the sadness and grief, it is only support, friendship and love that has been presented to every member of our family. This is a true testament to how many lives Maximillion touched in his 4 short years, and to his ageless, genuine, loving soul."

"Everyone he met was his friend and this could be neighbors and schoolmates, but it was equally UPS drivers, Amazon drivers, hotel guests in elevators, docents at museums, spectators on the bleachers, and countless other places he went. Everyone was his friend," the family said.

Coming from a large family of seven children, the boy looked up to his siblings and parents, Sedlock said.

"Maximillion had a sweet smile and laugh that was so infectious," she wrote.

His parents are well known in our community and are active leaders in Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, Coach Soccer, and members of the St. Thomas Aquinas Church.

The Wood family is a large part of our Indianola Community, Sedlock said. His father is a retired Navy veteran and his mother often organizes events in the community.

"I would love for our community to rally around this family and help support them in every way possible. Any monetary donation will help with funeral expenses and getting Maximillion and the rest of the family back to Iowa as they navigate this loss," Sedlock said.

Tributes poured in for the family, with one donator remembering Maximillion as a "truly a one of a kind boy with an excitement for life." Another said she was "heartbroken."