Tragedy Strikes Flanders Summer Camp: 13-Year-Old Girl Dies, Camp Shut Down
July 13, 2025
Eighty children attending the camp are being returned home after the incident.
A tragic incident occurred in Leisele, Flanders, where a 13-year-old girl participating in a summer camp in Saint-Trond died from cardiac arrest during a Chiro camp attended by 102 children.
The girl collapsed on the evening of July 12, 2025, during a rest period, and despite resuscitation efforts at the hospital, she later died.
The incident happened on Saturday, July 12, 2025, when she suffered a medical emergency that led to her death.
Following the tragedy, the camp was immediately halted, and parents were called to pick up their children, aged 6 to 18, who were scheduled to stay for ten days.
The camp was shut down on the same day, as confirmed by Gert Stas, the Alderman for Youth in Saint-Trond.
Local scouts and officials helped dismantle the camp and manage the aftermath, including sending a truck to collect materials from the site.
The Sint-Augustinus scouting unit provided assistance, and the city of Saint-Trond organized a truck to bring back the camp equipment.
Marij Germijns, spokesperson for Chiro Youth Flanders, emphasized their support for the family and the affected group, offering psychological assistance and guidance for staff and children.
Els Van Doren, head of Chiro Youth Flanders, expressed that the incident has caused shock and grief among the participants, many of whom witnessed the event.
The incident has deeply impacted the Saint-Trond community, with local youth organizations offering mutual support during this difficult time.
Chiro Nationaal is providing psychological support and assistance to the grieving group, and the girl’s body has been transported back to Saint-Trond.
Summary based on 2 sources