Jeffrey Bourgeois of Salem, Connecticut was helping his father chipping trees when he was pulled into the industrial machine yesterday. The accident occurred at 8:45 a.m. at 24 Brookside Drive.

Bourgeois' father, Scott, owner of C&S Tree Removal, had brought Jeffrey and his two siblings to work with him during their school vacation. When his father had his back turned, Jeffrey put a branch into the chipper, which subsequently yanked him in, said state police spokesman, Lt. J. Paul Vance.

The little guy was apparently trying to help his dad, said Vance. It's a very tragic and difficult scene for everybody. According to the Associated Press, grief counselors were called to the scene because the accident was so terrible.

Jeffrey had been a first grader at Salem Elementary School. A letter to parents from the school district's interim superintendent, H. Kaye Griffin, informed of counseling services being offered.

The death of a classmate is certain to raise many emotions, concerns and questions for our entire student population, especially those closest to Jeffrey, Griffin stated in the letter. The school is providing counseling for students Wednesday through Friday during their vacation, as well as next week when students and staff return to school.