(Image Credit: Park City Medical Center/AP Photo)

A 4-year-old boy died after a tombstone weighing hundreds of pounds fell on him while he was posing for photos with family and friends at a Park City, Utah cemetery.

Carson Dean Cheney was holding on to the 6-foot-tall tombstone when some metal connecting it to the pedestal broke on Thursday, Park City police Capt. Phil Kirk told the Associated Press.

It took several family members to lift the headstone, which was dated to the 1800s, off of the boy.

Carson sustained injuries to his head, chest and abdomen. Paramedics transported him to Park City Medical Center where he died.

Justin Russell, who lives near the cemetery, told ABC News' Salt Lake City affiliate it was a popular place for kids to play.

"There's always kids playing over there. Some of the headstones are in bad shape," Russell said.

Carson had been visiting the cemetery because his father, a photographer, was shooting portraits in the landscape, the Associated Press reported.

The 4-year-old's grandmother, Geri Gibbs, released a statement saying she'd miss her grandson, who was "full of life".

"This tragic accident has taken the life of our energetic, sweet, beloved little boy, Carson Dean Cheney. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers, but wish for privacy at this difficult time," Gibbs said.