BIG LAKE -- A Big Lake boy died Tuesday evening while he was playing in his backyard.

Sherburne County Sheriff Joel Brott says five-year-old Edward Michalek was playing on a hammock with other children when a seven-foot tree, that the hammock was tied to, uprooted, fell and hit Michalek on the head.

The boy was pronounced dead at the scene. Brott says this was a freak accident and tragic loss of a young life.

"Our thoughts are with Edward's family during this difficult time."

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