CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – As family, friends and the Crozet community continue to grieve the tragic death of 15-year-old Camden Callihan, a rising sophomore at Western Albemarle High School who was killed by a falling tree while hiking at a camp outside Nashville, Tenn., on July 27, people are rallying around the Callihan family. 

A GoFundMe page aiming to raise money for medical bills, funeral costs and counseling for the family had raised over $37,000 as of Sunday night, including one anonymous donation of $10,000 made Sunday morning. Callihan’s parents, Justin and Christie, also have two daughters, according to the GoFundMe page.

Nashville Metro Police have classified Callihan’s death at Camp Widjiwagan in Antioch, Tenn., as accidental, according to a release from the department.

“Two counselors were leading campers on a hike when they came across a tree that had fallen and was leaning against another tree above the trail,” the police release said. “A counselor reported warning the campers not to touch the tree as they walked under it. Detectives were told that as the victim … and a friend walked under the tree, the friend touched it in a pull-up motion, causing it to fall on Callihan. The two counselors and other campers lifted the tree off the victim. Emergency care was administered by camp staff. Callihan was rushed by ambulance to Vanderbilt where he died shortly after arrival.”

Callihan’s death has been felt by people and organizations across Albemarle County. His Crozet middle school the Field School of Charlottesville, posted a message honoring him on Friday. Callihan graduated from the school in 2025.

“He was a beloved member of our community, a kind, curious, and thoughtful student who embodied the very best of Field School,” the school’s Facebook post said, in part. “He was a wonderful friend and classmate whose warmth, generosity, and kindness made a lasting impact on those around him.”

The Soccer Organization of Charlottesville Area (SOCA), also remembered Callihan with a Facebook post on Thursday.

“Today, we remember Camden Callihan, a teammate, friend, and bright light in our soccer community,” the SOCA post said, in part. “Camden’s kindness, humility, curiosity, and joy touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Whether on the field or off, he led with compassion, encouraged those around him, and reminded us of the power of simply being kind.”

A community vigil for Callihan was held on Aug. 3 and his funeral service was Aug. 5.