A Young Skier’s Legacy Helps Others Hit the Slopes

Nine-year-old Zakaria Bel Qaid spent his last day alive doing something many kids love—playing outside with his sister. But a sudden accident changed everything when a tree collapsed onto the school playground in Melrose, leaving Zakaria critically injured. First responders rushed him and two others to the hospital, but the injuries proved too severe. The next day, his family received devastating news. Zakaria wasn’t just any student; he was a passionate skier whose skills were already turning heads. Earlier that winter, he had won national titles in halfpipe and ski cross, proving he was no beginner. His family shared his joy, posting about his "best winter ever" and how much the sport meant to him. Tragedy struck just days after his birthday, cutting short a life that seemed full of promise and winter adventures.Now, a fund set up in his name is doing something meaningful. Instead of flowers, people are encouraged to donate to Green Mountain Academy in Vermont, a school that teaches skiing and snowboarding to kids who might not otherwise get the chance. The academy’s goal aligns with Zakaria’s love for the sport—giving young athletes the chance to shine. His family’s choice to honor him this way makes sense. Zakaria’s energy and dedication left a mark, and now others can benefit from the same opportunities he cherished. The fund keeps his memory alive while helping new skiers chase their own dreams on the slopes.