Wood chipper death, child remembered

Salem, Conn. (WTNH) --A small community in Salem is coming together to mourn the death, and remember the life of a six-year-old boy who was involved in a fatal wood chipper accident .

Jeffrey Bourgeois was killed when he was pulled into a wood chipper Tuesday morning on a job at a house on Brookside Drive.

In the small town where neighbors lean on neighbors to get through difficult times, folks wanted to show their support at a candle light vigil. The vigil is held in memory of Jeffrey.

"We had so much tragedy in our family seven years ago and had a lot of support then," said Tom Woronik. "It's an unthinkable tragedy. Hopefully the support will hopefully help the family get through it.

Jeffrey has an older brother and sister that will miss him very much. Together they attended the only elementary school in their community.  All of the students knew each other and knew of Jeffrey.

"Its just one of those things you couldn't believe would happen," said Salem First Selectman Albert Burr.

"I first heard it from my friend that lives down the road, she had told me. You don't believe that kind of stuff," said Aldene Woronik.

Folks arrived early for the candle light vigil that had been scheduled for 7:45 p.m. on April 12.

Folks can make donations to the Bourgeois family at the Salem Town Clerk's Office at the Town Hall at 270 Hartford Road.

Police say there is no criminal aspect to this accident.