Child hit by falling tree, critically injured in Kansas City’s Northland

A child suffered critical injuries after they were hit by a falling tree along a trail in Kansas City’s Northland Wednesday morning, the Kansas City Fire Department said.

The incident occurred along the Line Creek Trail, near Hopewell Elementary School and the intersection of Northwest 68th Street and Northwest Waukomis Drive, around 10:15 a.m., said Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins, a spokesman for the Kansas City Fire Department.

First responders made their way to the scene, found the child in critical condition and took them to Children’s Mercy Hospital. The child remained in critical condition as of Wednesday afternoon, Hopkins said.

This story was originally published May 27, 2026 at 12:06 PM.

Nathan Pilling

The Kansas City Star

Nathan Pilling is a breaking news reporter for The Kansas City Star. He previously worked in newsrooms in Washington state and Ohio and grew up in eastern Iowa.