A 6-year-old boy who suffered catastrophic injuries when a driftwood log fell on him while he was playing at a Bellingham beach has died, his family confirmed.
Killian Gonzales was exploring a driftwood fort at Little Squalicum Beach with his sister and babysitter on the evening of Wednesday, July 8, when a large driftwood log suddenly came down, according to his family.
Killian’s mother, Sonja McCartney, said her son was doing what he loved most — exploring outdoors. She told KING 5 that when the log began to fall, Killian tried to run away but was struck in the back of the head and pinned beneath the wood.
By the time Killian’s parents arrived, first responders were already working to save him.
He was initially taken to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center before being airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where he remained in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit for several days.
On Sunday afternoon, Killian died from his injuries, according to an update posted to an online GoFundMe fundraiser organized by Chance Harksell.
“It’s been a very tough day and we’re struggling,” McCartney told KING 5. “We’d like to give huge praise to the team of nurses and doctors at Harborview, especially those in the PICU, for all their efforts to help our son.
“Even though the outcome isn’t what we had hoped, they did everything they possibly could to help him.”
Family shared hopeful updates before heartbreaking news
In the days following the accident, family members regularly updated supporters through the fundraiser as Killian fought for his life.
The boy received CPR for about 20 minutes before emergency crews restored his pulse. He suffered multiple skull fractures, a broken nose, a collapsed lung and severe traumatic brain injuries.
He underwent emergency surgery to remove part of his skull to relieve pressure caused by swelling.
As doctors worked to stabilize him, his family clung to signs of hope.
“We have officially made it past the 72 hour mark that is the most critical for Killian’s brain injury,” McCartney wrote in an update Saturday night.
“Killian is so strong. We believe he has the ability to overcome this and recover. We hope for every small miracle we can possibly get.”
Just one day later, the family’s updates took a devastating turn.
“Around 3:30 p.m. Killian has passed on,” McCartney wrote Sunday.
‘Killian was such a bright light’
On Monday, Killian’s family thanked the thousands of people who had offered prayers, donations and messages of support while remembering the joyful little boy they lost.
“We’re living through unimaginable grief,” McCartney wrote.
“Killian was such a bright light. He had this infectious, deep belly laugh that made everyone around him smile. He loved to adventure outside and all the little creatures he would find there.
“He was curious about everything and loved to learn. He loved to give hugs and always made sure to include everyone around him so they didn’t feel left out.”
She added that the family’s life has been forever changed.
“Navigating life without him seems impossible,” McCartney wrote. “Thank you to everyone who has donated so we can take time to grieve and figure out how life works now. Thank you for caring about my baby boy.”
As of Monday, the fundraiser had raised more than $44,000 to help the family with medical expenses and give them time to grieve.
Those interested in supporting the family can donate via GoFundMe here.
Why Driftwood Can Be Dangerous
Driftwood is a defining feature of many Pacific Northwest beaches, but officials warn that the massive logs can weigh hundreds or even thousands of pounds and may not be as stable as they appear.
Stacked driftwood forts, whether built by beachgoers or formed naturally, can shift or collapse if a log loses its support.
The U.S. Geological Survey also warns that storms and powerful waves can move large driftwood logs along Washington’s coastline.
Officials recommend avoiding climbing on or beneath stacked driftwood, supervising children closely, and remembering that even logs that appear solid can shift without warning.
