Fallen tree kills grandfather in Howard County

WASHINGTON — A man was killed Saturday afternoon in Woodbine, Maryland after a tree fell on top of him.

Three children, the 75-year-old man’s grandchildren, were also hurt.

The large tree fell while the man was grilling at a home on the 2800 block of Daisy Road. Two of the injured children, were taken to Howard County General Hospital and released. The other child wasn’t taken to the hospital.

When the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services responded the man wasn’t breathing nor did he have a pulse. Crews attempted CPR and advanced life support but his injuries prevented resuscitation. The children were 9, 10 and 16 years old.

Four vehicles and the home were also damaged. The American Red Cross is helping the family as the home has been deemed uninhabitable. Mental health professionals and a chaplain are assisting the family.

The exact cause of the tree falling is still under investigation, but it appeared to be rotten and gave way.

In a news release, Marc Fisher, public information officer for Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services, encouraged those with large trees to periodically have them checked by a professional. Follow @WTOP on Twitter and on the WTOP Facebook page.

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